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MEMOIRS f7 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 



OF SOME OF THE 



WEALTHY CITIZEI^S 

OF PHILADELPHIA, 



WITH A FAIR ESTIMATE OF THEIR ESTATES— FOUNDED UPON 
A KNOWLEDGE OF FACTS. 



WITH AN APFExNDIX: 



CONTAINING PARTICULAR ACCOl'NTS OF THE LIVES OF 



STEPHEN GIRARD, JACOB RIDGWAY, and OBED COLEMAN, 



OBTAIKED FBOM AUTHENTIC SOURCES. 



BY A MERCHANT OF PHILADELPHIA. • 



PHILADELPHIA: ^~" '7'. S^y 
PUBLISHED BY THE BOOKSELLER'S, 
1846. 




■.■2.f 

,K46 



PREFACE. 

In submitting to the public this work, the writer wishei it to be understood, that the 
facts stated are chiefly derived from authentic sources— from official records in ■ome 
cases— from the persona themselves in others, and generally from certain data. It is 
unlike the ephemeral things that have passed away, purporting to be somewhat simi- 
lar in their object, and he, therefore, confidently lays its contents before a liberal and 
candid community for their verdict— their sentence, and will be satisfied with their de- 
cision. 

In'England, and in some parts of this country, all the rich men are aristocrats ; not 
so, however, in Philadelphia ; most of our wealthy citizens are plain men, and although 
they pride themselves for having made their own money, live in a plain way, and do 
not spend their entire income. "The power of wealth, which is substantial, gains 
every day upon that of birth; which is fanciful. Sir Robert Peel, the son of a cotton 
spinner, whose sole patent of nobility was his money, rules the whole aristocracy of 
England, with an absolute power which no sovereign has exercised sinee the time Of 
old (lueen Bess." The present lord chancellor, by virtue of his station, the head of no- 
bility, is the son of a Boston portrait painter I 

Stephen Girard and Jacob Ridgway, were plain men, without personal pride, and the 
enemies to ostentation and display. What a commentary upon riches and birth— upon 
aristocracy. 



Entered according to the act of Congress, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for 
the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, in the year 1846. 



MEMOIRS 

▲KD 

AUTOBIOGRAPHY 

OF SOME OF THE 

WEALTHY CITIZENS 

OF PHILADELPHIA, &c. 



Abbott, Timothy (Estate) 200,000 

Mr. Abbott was once of the firm of Abbott & Barnes, Curriers and Leather 
Dealers, and afterwards in the same business with David Kirkpatrick, under the 
firm of Timothy Abbott & Co., in which he made a large fortune. He als© made 
money by the purchase and sale of real estate. He died last year. 

Abbott, Johns & Lambert 100,000 

Dealers in silks and fancy goods; doing a wholesale business in Market street. 

Abbott, C. H. & G. 50,000 

Sons of the late Timothy Abbott. In the wholesale cutlery and hardware 
business. Importers and dealers. 

Adams, Robert (Estate) 50,000 

Mr. Adams was an Irishman by birth ; came to this country when a young 
man, and married a Philadelphia lady, who now survives him. He made his 
money chiefly in the liquor business, and by consignments of sugars from the 
West Indies. His vndow and sons continue the business. 

Agnew, Samuel 60,000 

Alburger, William M. 50,000 

A Plumber, residing in the district of Spring Garden ; made his money by at- 
tention to business and invested it in real estate. 

Alsop, Amy 100,000 

Alsop, Richard (Estate) 100,000 

Amer, William 100,000 

An adopted citizen, who made his money here entirely in the morocco and 
leather business in North Third street. 

Anderson, William V. 75,000 

Son of the late Samuel V. Anderson, one of our most respectable grocers, and 
who for a long series of years resided next door to the late Stephen Girard. in 
north Water street, who, during their lives were fi-iends as well as neighbors. 
His son, the above, is also in the wholesale grocery business. Is a Director of the 
Bank of Pennsylvania. 

Andrade, Joseph 75,000 

A Frenchman by birth ; came to this country in 1817, and has been engaged 



4 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 

in the Brokerage business ever since. A respectable, worthy and charitable citi- 
zen, and lately announced as one of the Executors to the large estate of Fournier 
Rostain, deceased. 

Andrews & Co., J. & J. B. 70,000 

Lumber .Merchants — doing business at the north west corner of Tenth and 
South streets. Property in good real estate. 

Archer, Joseph (Estate,) .S00,000 

The son of the late Samuel Archer — one of the most upright and enterprising 
merchants of our city. Joseph made his money in Canton, China ; died soon 
after and left it to his relations in Philadelphia.* 

Armstrong, Andrew 50,000 

By birth an Irishman ; came to this country many years ago and married here ; 
made his money in the grocery business, and invested in good real estate. A 
good citizen and intelligent man. 

Ardley, Alexander 50,000 

Made his money as one of the firm of A. S. & E. Roberts & Co., in the drug 
business. 

Asbury, Samuel 100,000 

A English importer of china and earthenware ; doing a large and profitable 
business on British account. 

Ashmead, John W. GO.OOO 

A respectable lawyer and good citizen ; a printer by trade. An active member 
of the Native American party, by which he was nominated as their candidate for 
Congress, in the second congressional district, at the last congressional election. 
He was formerly a member of the Legislature from tha city proper. 

Ashhurst & Remington. 75,000 

Wholesale dealers in dry goods, doing business in Market street below Tliird. 

• We avail ourselves of the occasion, to say a few words of Samuel Archer, 
the father of Joseph. In early life, Mr. Samuel Archer was an industrious and 
highly respected mechanic, but soon left his trade for the business of merchandiz- 
ing, in which he took great pleasure, and although eventually unfortunate, he 
amassed during his life-time several large fortunes, under different firms. He 
was at one time connected in business with Robert L. Pitfield, under the firm of 
Samuel Archer & Co.; at another time under Archer & Bispham. Mr. Stacy B. 
Bispham, now diseased, being his partner, and more latterly with Isaac C. Jones, 
and Richard Oakford. not altering, however, the firm of his house, which was, for 
twenty years before his death, that of Samuel Archer, a name that will long be 
known to Philadelphia for the great worth, virtue and charity of its possessor. 
Mr. Archer was truly unfortunate in his last days, and the thread of life was no 
doubt cut short by the calamities that befel him. At the time of his death he 
owed the government less than half a million, and his debtors owed him more 
than a million of ,lollars ! In the autumn of 1810, Mr. Archer visited England 
for the purpose of purchasing British and other goods, in the ship Hercules, of 
New York, fi-om which port he sailed. His credit in London, Manchester, and 
other parts of Europe, was unlimited — he therefore made a most lucky and pros- 
perous traffic, by his importations arriving in this country previous to the war 
with England of 1812. The goods he imported paid immense profits, and he 
amassed, at this period of his life, a fortune that should have endured to him and 
his for ages. But he possessed too much of the milk of human kindness — he 
was the friend, benefactor, patron and supporter of all who applied to him for re- 
lief, and we sorely regret the return he met with in this world for so many favors 
bestowed. His list of bad debts upon his ledger, as above stated, when he de- 
parted this hfe, a few years since at the age of 63, may well account for his 
untimely fate ; for he was naturally of a strong and robust constitution. 



OF WEALTHT MEN. O 

Ashhurst, Richard 250,000 

By birth an Englishman — came to this country before the last war ; was once 
a book-keeper for the old House of Guest & Bancker ; then a partner of the 
House of Wheeler & Ashhurst, and now in business with his sons; but made his 
money by himself in the dry goods business. Married a respectable widow lady 
by the name of Mrs. Hughes. A good citizen with a large family. 
Ashhurst, Lewis R. 100,000 

Son of Richard Ashhurst, and in business with his father in the wholesale dry 
goods trade, in Market street, east of Third. 
Ashhurst, John 100,000 

Brother to the above, and son of Richard Ashhurst. 

Ashhurst, William H. 100,000 

Also, brother to the above, and son of Richard Ashhurst. 

Astley, Thomas (Estate) 50,000 

Mr. Astley was an Englishman of high standing, and married into one of our 
best families, and was for many years one of the most respectable and honorable 
British agents doing business in our city. He resided in the house he had built 
for himself at the south west corner of Ninth and Walnut streets. 
At wood, John M. 150,000 

A wholesale dry goods merchant from New England, who made all his money 
here by constant application to business, and attention to the fluctuations of trade. 

Atkinson, Joel 50,000 

Formerly a respectable tailor, but made his money principally by purchases in 
real estate, now comparatively retired from all business. 
Atherton, Henry 60,000 

Attorney at Law, residing in one of the City Houses, derived from Stephen 
Girard, in Chestnut street above Eleventh. 
Atwood, James 100,000 

A brother to John M.; came from New England, and made all his money here 
in the dry goods business. 
Auner, Joseph G. 50,000 

Made his money as a bookseller and stationer ; obtained some, also, by marriage. 

Backus, E. F. 100,000 

A gentleman of fine literary taste from the eastward ; retired from business. 

Baker, George N. 150,000 

Engaged in the lumber business ; once an active politician, and State Senator. 

Barclay, Andrew C. 150,000 

Engaged largely in the shipping and commission business. A Director of the 
Bank of Northern Liberties. 
'Baker, Michael 100,000 

By trade a carpenter ; once a member of our City Councils ; a builder for the 
late Stephen Girard ; and appointed by the late George Pepper one of his execu- 
tors. 

Baldwin, Stephen 75,000 

An extensive shipping merchant in the Liverpool trade, and Vice President of 
the American Insurance Company. 

Baker, Charles H. 100.000 

President of the Philadelphia Insurance Company, and a gentleman of excel- 
lent business habits, and a Philadclphian by birth. 



6 MEMOIRS AND A.tJTO-BIOGRAPHY 

Barclay, John A. 50,000 

At one time a clerk for the late Stephen Girard, who at his death made him 
one of his executors, the foundation of his present fortune. A Philadelphian. 

Bauersachs, J. N. 100,000 

A German by birth ; came to this country many years ago ; a large importer of 
German goods and toys, doing a regular business in Market street. 

Barclay, Miss — North Third street, 50,000 

Barcroft, Stacy B. 150,000 

Ball, George W. 50,000 

Baker, John R. (Estate) 100,000 

Bayard, James 75,000 

Son of the late Andrew Bayard, auctioneer, of the old House of Petit &, Bay- 
ard. Mr. B. married an heiress, is an attorney at law, and has been a member 
of our State Legislature. 

Barton, J. Rhea, M. D. 1,000,000 

A handsome man, who has married on two occasions, an heiress. He is a 
native of Philadelphia, a skillful surgeon and possesses fine talents and taste. 

Baker, Michael V. 50,000 

Son of Michael Baker, (retired.) Wholesale dealer and importer of hardware 
and cutlery, doing a prudent business in Market street ; formerly in partnership 
with a son of John Moss, under the firm of Baker & Moss. 

Bailey & Kitchen, 100,000 

Importers and extensive jewellers and silversmiths, in Chestnut street. Men of 
industry, enterprise and taste. 

Barton, Thomas P, 100,000 

A gentleman of fine literary acquirements, residing in Chestnut street. Mar- 
ried a daughter of the late Edward Livingston, forraerlj' Secretary of State under 
President Jackson's administration, by whom he obtained part of his fortune. 

Bates, James 50,000 

Tailor, doing a large business in Market street ; owns much real estate in the 
district of Spring Garden. 

Bacon, John 50,000 

One of the Directors of the Bank of the United States; was once in business 
with Joshua Longstreth ; now retired. He married a lady of fortune — Miss 
Warder. 

Barclay, J. M. 50,000 

A Philadelphian who married the daughter of a rich planter in Louisiana, by 
whom he acquired a fortune. 

Bainbridge, Mrs. Susan 50,000 

Widow of the late Commodore Bainbridge, whose memory was immortalized 
by his acts of bravery in the last war with Great Britian. 

Beck, Jr., Paul (Estate) 1,000,000 

Benson, Richard (Estate) 50,000 

Berrill, Henry 50,000 

Bernadou, John B. 50,000 

A polite, gentleipanly Frenchman, concerned in the shipping bushiess ; came to 
our city many years since, and is much respected. 



OF WBALTIIY HEK. 7 

Bettle, Sen., Samuel 125,000 

Made his money chiefly as an importer and dealer in superfine cloths and cas- 
simeres. He is a good and worthy citizen. 
Beck, Henry Paul 200,000 

Son of the rich Paul Beck, jr., deceased, who married an heiress of New York, 
and lives in the most splendid style. 
Beck, Charles F. 175,000 

Son of the rich Paul Beck, jr., deceased, by whom this sum was bequeathed. 
Bevan, Matthew L. 100,000 

After passing through various vicissitudes in life, Mr. B. may be fairly esti- 
mated as worth this sum. He was at one time in partnership with a Mr. Porter, 
under the firm of Bevan & Porter, and is now doing business with Stem Hum- 
phreys and Joseph H. Cabot, under the firm of Bevan & Humphreys. 

Benson, Alexander 50,000 

A leading stock and exchange broker, and a good citizen. He married a 
daughter of the late Caleb North, high sheriff of the city and county of Philadel- 
phia, and a soldier of the revolutionary war, and one of the few who escaped the 
" Massacre of the Paoli," in Chester County, Pennsylvania. 
Beckett, Henry 200,000 

An Englishman by birth — had a brother in Parliament ; came to this country 
many years ago, as a British agent ; married the daughter of the rich James 
Lisle, deceased, by whom he acquired a fortune. Now on a tour to Europe. 

Beehler, Tobias (Estate) 50,000 

Mr. Beehler came to this country from Germany a pennyless youth, and made 

his money in the sugar refinery business, by restless industry and strict economy. 

Binney, Horace 300,000 

Came to this city at an early age, and studied law. He is a sound lawyer and 
eminent statesman — a kind, generous and philanthropic citizen. He has raised 
himself to his present elevated rank ; was a director of the first Bank of the United 
States in the days of Thomas Willing and George Simpson. Has been a repre- 
sentative in Congress, &c., but has lately declined all public office. Owns a 
splendid country seat at Burlington, N. J., and has the bulk of his fortune in- 
vested in good bonds and mortgages on some of the best real estate in our city 
and county. 

Binney, Jr., Horace 100,000 

Son of the rich Horace Binney ; married a lady of New York. Attorney at 
law, and captain of a handsome company of volunteers. 

Biddle, Thomas 50,000 

Related to the late Nicholas Biddle, and at one thne doing the most extensive 
brokerage business in the city. He was at one period of his life the broker of 
the late Stephen Girard. 

Bird, Charles 100,000 

Formerly one of our most enterprising citizens, and an extensive importer of 
hardware ; property chiefly invested in real estate, for the purchase and sale of 
which he has always displayed a fondness. 

Bicknell, Mrs. Marinda 50,000 

Biddle, Clement 75,000 

Biddle & Co., Thomas A. 150,000 

Stock Brokers, and pretty extensive operators at one time ; also, related to the 
late N. Biddle. 

Bingham, Dock & Stratton, 50,000 



8 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 

Biddle, Clement C. (Colonel) 75,000 

President of the Philadelphia Savings Institution ; son of the late Clement Bid- 
die, and a cousin to the late Nicholas Biddle, and a most worthy citizen. He at 
one time belonged to the United States regular army. 

Birkey, Dr. W. T. 75,000 

A most skillful and popular surgeon dentist in full practice, received a sound 
medical education. Is devoted to his business, which is the largest in the city. 

Biddle, Edward C. 60,000 

Eldest son of the late Nicholas Biddle. 
Biddle, Commodore 50,000 

An honor to our navy ; a lover of the good things of the world ; a brother to 
the late Nicholas Biddle. 

Bispham, Samuel 75,000 

Blight, Maria 50,000 

Widow of the late George Blight, and daughter of Peter Blight, both at one 
time eminent merchants of Philadelphia, with houses in Canton, and largely en- 
gaged in the China trade. 

Blackstone, Thomas 50,000 

Originally from the South — was at one time in the dry goods business in 
Market street, but is now retired. Married a Miss Yohe, by whom he acquired 
most of his fortune. 

Bond, Thomas 50,000 

Boker, Charles S. 100,000 

President, and one of the Trustees and Directors of the Girard Bank. He 
came from Massachusetts, formerly a clerk with Mr. Leland in the wholesale 
bonnett and shoe business, afterwards went into business on his own account ; 
built or purchased a handsome house in south Third street, near the Mansion 
House. Mr. B. is of most excellent business habits, and as a banker, generally 
advocates discounting the paper of industrious beginners. 

Bousquet, Peter 50,000 

Boyd, David (Tailor) 50,000 

Mr. Boyd owns two valuable farms in the interior of the State ; a valuable row 
of buildings at Bush Hill, in the District of Spring Garden, Boyd's Avenue in 
the city, and still attends to his business. Mr. B. is a shrewd, industrious man, 
who prides himself on being a son of the Emeral Isle. 

Bohlen, Henry 200,000 

Is consul for the Netherlands. 

Borie, Adolph E. 100,000 

Son of the late J. J. Borie ; is consul for Belgium, and acting consul for Sicily. 

Borie, Charles L. 100,000 

Also, a son of J. J. Borie, Senr., deceased. 

Borie, J. J. 100,000 

Also a son of J. J. Borie, Senr., deceased. 

Bovven, William E. 150,000 

A native of Philadelphia, and son of the late Captain Bowen, who was lost at 
sea, and who was once in the employ of the late Stephen Girard. Mr. B. is of 
the firm of Browns & Bowen of this city, and connected with the House of 
Brown, Brothers & Co., New York; and Brown, Shipley & Co., Liverpool. Has 
by his own industry and attention to commercial and financiering affairs risen to 
his present standing and fortune. 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 



9 



Boyd, William 50,000 

Once a member of our State Legislature, and Director of the Delaware Insur- 
ance Company ; a respectable and worthy citizen. 
Bohlen,Johii 1,250,000 

Believed to be of German origin. Made his large fortune in the Holland trade, 
having for a long time the almost entire monopoly of the same. He married a 
lady of this city, and is a man of integrity and worth. 

Bouvier, Michael 100,000 

The proprietor of one of the most extensive mahogany and marble steam saw 
factories in the United States, giving employment to many persons. He is an 
adopted citizen and made his money by years of industry and close attention to 
business. 

Brandreth, Benjamin 150,000 

The celebrated manufacturer and vender of Brandreth's Pills. He resides 
mostly at Sing Sing, New York, where he has a splendid country seat. He is a 
capital, rare and good fellow. Came from England. 

Bray, Daniel 125,000 

Brady, P. 50,000 

Merchant and British agent. Mr. B. is an instance of a sudden rise to fortune 
by industry and strict attention to business. He is by birth an Irishman. 
Breck, Samuel 200,000 

He came from Boston, and married the daughter of the late John Ross, of the 
House of Ross & Simson, merchants. He has often been a member of our State 
Legislature, and upon more than one occasion, a candidate for congress. 
Bretz, Jacob (Estate) 50,000 

Brinkle, Dr. Wm. D. 50,000 

A physician in full practice : related to the late Dr. Physic, and married a lady 
of New Jersey. 

Brinton, George 60,000 

Retired on his fortune. 
Brooks, Samuel 50,000 

Engaged in the coasting trade and shipping business ; a merchant of long and 
good standing. A Director of the Commercial Bank. 

Brock, Sen., & Co., John 50,000 

Brolaskey, Joseph L. 75,000 

Began business with a small capital, and has made a fortune, chiefly in the 
retail fancy dry goods business. 

Brown, Washington 50,000 

Merchant from the eastward. Importer of woollen yarns and carpetings; also 
agent for American manufactures, and doing a good business. 
Brown, John A. 500,000 

Now retired ; formerly of the well known and extensive firm of John A. Brown 
•fcCo. 
Browns & Bowen, 350,000 

The Browns, formerly connected with the House of John A. Brown & Co. 
Brown, Joseph D. 200,000 

One of the partners of the ancient House of William Chancellor & Co., and 
afterwards of the firm of Chancellor, Brown & Hall ; extensive wholesale tlry 
goods houses and importers. Mr. Brown is now retired from all business. 
Brown, Jeremiah 50,000 



10 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 

Brown, Lewis 100,000 

Mr. Brown was once engaged as an assistant in the auction store of Messrs. 
Lisle, Weir & Co., and by his own industry and attention to business, amassed 
this large fortune, and is one of our most correct men of business in the dry goods 
line. 

Brown, Joseph 100,000 

An Englishman by birth ; dealer in British small wares ; an industrious and 
worthy citizen. 

Brown, Samuel 50,000 

Retired from all business ; by trade a painter and glazier, but made the chief of 
his money in the tea dealing business at a good time, and invested it in good real 
estate in the city proper. 

Brown, David S. 300,000 

Of the firm of Brown & Co., one of the most extensive and wealthy Houses 
engaged in the American dry goods trade, and has several partners. Mr. B is a 
correct and worthy member of the community. One of the Directors of the Gi- 
rard Bank, and is very attentive to business. 

Bryan & Mcllhenney 50,000 

In the shipping and commission business. Timothy M. Bryan is the special 
partner. 

Bryan, T. M. 50,000 

Dry goods merchant, and son of the late Guy Bryan, and grand son of Timo- 
thy Matlack, of ancient times. 

Bryan, Rodman & Heylin 50,000 

Dry goods merchants. Timothy M. Bryan, one of the firm, is a son of the 
late Guy Bryan, at one time a partner in the same business with the late William 
Schlatter. 

Bryan, William P. (Estate) 50,000 

Burt, Nathaniel 150,000 

An adopted citizen ; came to this city many years ago ; was very attentive to 

the dry goods business, in which he made his money, and invested it in real estate. 

Burgin, Dr. G. H. 75,000 

Busch, M. 50,000 

Brush maker. Made his own money by constant industry, and close applica- 
tion to business, and giving employment to many male and female operatives in 
his line of business. 

Burrough, H. N. 75,000 

Buck & Potter, 150,000 

Silk merchants, and dealers in fancy dry goods. 
Buck, C. N. 50,000 

Consul General of Hamburg, and President of the Columbia Insurance Com- 
pany ; a German by birth ; came to this country many years ago, and married a 
lady of Philadelphia. 

Burton, Dr. John 50,000 

Came from the State of Delaware ; a business man ; manied in this city a lady 
of some fortune. 

Burd, Mrs. S. 100,000 

A widow — a gentlewoman. Property in real estate. 

Butterfield & Fisher, 75,000 

Extensive importers of British goods. 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 11 

Butler, Thomas (Estate,) 250,000 

Buller, Miss Eliza _ 150,000 

Daughter of the late Pierce Butler, and aunt to the present Pierce and John 
Butler, 

Butler, John 150,000 

Buzby, Hezekiah 100,000 

Made the chief of his money in the flour business in Market street, from which 
he is now retired. 
Butcher, T. T. & W. 50,000 

Sons of the late Amos W. Butcher, and enterprising men of business. 
Burgess, Robert (Estate) 150,000 

Budd, John B. 50,000 

Burd, Edmund S. 500,000 

Received the greater part of his fortune from his father, which being mostly 
real estate located in the city proper, greatly increased in value. He ovras and 
occupies the splendid mansion, (built by Joseph Suns,) at the south western cor- 
ner of Ninth and Chestnut streets. 
Bury, John 100,000 

An Englishman by birth, who made his money in this city, and is now retired 
from all business. 
Burton, Robert 100,000 

Byerly, Mrs. Ann 50,000 

Gentlewoman, and widow of John Byerly, deceased. 

Cadbury, Joel 50,000 

An Englishman by birth, married a lady of Philadelphia, by whom he acquired 
his fortune. 

Cadwalader, Mary 50,000 

Widow of General Thomas Cadwalader, and daughter of the late respected 
Clement Biddle. Mother of General George and John Cadwalader. 

Carey, E. L. (Estate,) 250,000 

Carson & Newbold, - 75,000 

Camm, William 75,000 

Formerly in the hat and fur business — now retired. A Director of the West- 
ern Bank. 

Campbell, John H. 50,000 

Attorney at Law, Solicitor and Director of the Bank of Pcnn Township. 
Last year (1844) elected to Congress from the third district by the Native 
American party. He was once a member of the Legislature of the state from the 
city, elected by the Democrats, but on the removal of the public depositcs by 
President Jackson, rather forsook his party, and was neutral, until the native 
party originated, when he took a decided stand in its favor, and was in conse- 
quence elevated to a seat in Congress. Mr. C. is a worthy and respectable 
citizen. 

Carpenter, George W. 300,000 

Was born in Gerniantown, Pa.; is a son of Conrad Carpenter. Made his 

money in the wholesale and retail drug business ; has built quite a palace at 

Germantown, which cost over $100,000 — named after his present wife. Each 



12 MEMOIRS AND ATJTO-BIOORAPHY 

visiter wlio calls to view the premises, and writes his or her name in a book, gets 
a book containing a history of the house and grounds gratis, containing also, a 
list of the different mechanics employed to finish the building, in which Mr. C. 
has displayed much taste. Mr. Carpenter is now married a second time, and 
seems to think, from his own reflections contained in his published memoirs, that 
a rural life, even in a village, is far preferable to one in the city, amid dust, drugs 
and medicines. A Director of the Manufacturers and Mechanics Bank, 

Cadvvalader, Thomas C. 100,000 

A native of New Jersey, and son of a revolutionary hero — is a General of 
New Jersey Militia, and has a beautiful summer residence near Trenton. 

Caldcleugh, Robert A. 200,000 

Of Scottish descent. Was formerly a stationer, manufacturer of paper hang- 
ings, &c. A keen, shrewd man. Has acquired a very large estate, partly by 
marriage, but much the larger portion by his own industry. Is now retired from 
all business, and living in rather a plain, but happy and comfortable manner. 

Casey, Joseph 50,000 

A retired colored man, who by strict industry and economy at the hair dressing 
business, has saved a handsome fortune. 

Catherwood, Hugh 50,000 

An adopted citizen, who came to this city early in life, and married here. 

Cadvvalader, George 150,000 

Son of General Thomas Cadwalader, who occupies a prominent place in the 
history of our country. Is one of the best militia men of the day, and now a 
Brigadier General of Pennsylvania militia. Lives retired. 

Cadwalader, John 100,000 

Brother to the above, and distinguished member of the bar. Is connected with 
the Honorable Horace Binney, by marriage. His second wife was the widow of 
the late Bloomfield Mcllvaine, an eminent member of the Philadelphia bar, who 
died in the prime of life. 

Carpenter, W. & F. 50,000 

Made money fast in the tailoring business. Sons of John Carpenter, tailor, 
men of close apphcation to their trade ; good and fashionable cutters. Property 
in good real estate. 

Cabot, Joseph 75,000 

At present in business with Beven & Humphreys ; formerly in business with 
J. W. Perit, under the firm of Perit & Cabot. He came from the eastward, and 
married a lady of Philadelphia. 

Campbell, St. George Tucker 50,000 

Attorney and counseller at law. Married a Miss Mason, of Virginia. Nephew 
of George Mifflin Dallas, and grandson of the late Alexander J. Dallas. A 
young man not yet thirty years of age, and a surprising instance of success at the 
Bar. On his uncle leaving this country, as minister to Russia, the charge of his 
business being left in the hands of Mr. Campbell, introduced him to a practice, 
which, together with his talents, placed him upon the road to fortune and dis- 
tinction. 

Carey & Hart, 300,000 

Cassamajor, Jr. P. 50,000 

Made his money in the west India business — was brought up in the counting 
house of the late Rolent Adams. Now retired, and lives at ease. 

Camac, Mrs. William 200,000 

Of the Markoe family. A charming lady, and worthy her position in life. A 
widow. 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 18 

Caldwell, James S. 60,000 

Campbell & Co., H. & A. 50,000 

Dry goods merchants, Market street, formerly connected with the late John 
Gill. 

Caldwell, J. T. 50,000 

An eminent dentist from Virginia — property in real estate — possessing the true 
characteristics of a Virginian in his genuine hospitality. 

Campbell, Quintin 50,000 

An adopted citizen ; for many years Cashier of the Philadelphia Bank ; now 
President of the Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Company ; married a daughter of 
the late David Lapsley, by whom he received a large portion of his fortune. 

Calhoim, Giistavus 50,000 

Of the old house of Gustavus & Hugh Calhoun, shipping merchants. Of Irish 
descent. Has a daughter married to the rich John Bohlen. 

Carrigan, Jr., Jacob 50,000 

Made his money in the hardware saddlery business ; an enterprising citizen 
doing a large business. 

Carey, Henry C. 75,000 

Eldest son of the late venerable Matthew Carey. Made his money in the 
book selling business. He married a Miss Leslie, sister to the celebrated Ameri- 
can painter of the same name now in London. 

Camac's Estate, 100,000 

Churchman, Charles W. 50,000 

From a Quaker family of Bucks county ; was brought up in the counting 
house of Joseph R. Evans. Has visited Europe, been a member of Common 
Council, is agent in this city for the house of Wilde, Pickersgill & Co., Liverpool, 
and is engaged in an extensive shipping and importing business. 

Chapman, Dr. N. 100,000 

One of our first medical men, and remarkable for his witticisms ; few men 
have said better things than the facetious Dr. C. Who will wear his mantle 1 
His bon-mots will live after him, and with the students of medicine forever. He 
married a Miss Biddle. 

Chambers, Rev. John 75,000 

He married the widow of the late Silas E. Weir, auctioneer, by whom he ob- 
tained his fortune ; is a popular temperance lecturer, and is pastor of a large and 
respectable congregation. 

Chauncey, Charles 300,000 

Attorney at Law, came from New Haven, Conn. ; made his money all here 
and invested it in Real Estate. A gentlemanly, and eminent counseller of most re- 
spectable standing. 

Chauncey, Elihu 100,000 

A wholesale broker and dealer in money stocks, at one time a Director of the 
Bank of Pennsylvania, and afterwards its Cashier. Married a lady of Virginia. 

Christman, Henry 50,000 

Chancellor, William .'50,000 

Chandler, Joseph R. 75,000 

Editor and proprietor of the United States Gazette — formerly a " school master 
from abroad" — a native of New England. By strict attention to business has 
amassed quite a snug fortune, and won the esteem of his fellow citizens. Has 
been elected to many responsible stations of trust and honor. Is a free mason of 
high standing, and an influential whig. 



14 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHT 

Charnley & Whelan, 50,000 

Extensive Brokers, doing a good business in South Third street. 

Chew, Benjamin (Estate,) 50,000 

Mr. Chew was a much esteemed citizen, and resided at Germantown upon the 

celebrated country seat where the battle was fought during the revolution. He 

was the father of Benjamin, Samuel, Henry and WiUiam W. Chew. 

Chauncy, Nathaniel 50,000 

Brother to Charles and Elihu Chauncy, who all came from Connecticut. 
Made his money under the auspices of his brothers during prosperous times. By 
profession Attorney at Law, but now retired. 

Chancellor, Hannah 100,000 

Widow of the late rich William Chancellor, one of the oldest and most re- 
spectable merchants. Mrs. Chancellor resides in Chesnut near Ninth street. 

Chancellor, Wharton 75,000 

Son of the above, who lives upon his fortune. 

Chester, Henry 50,000 

From New Haven, Conn., attorney at law and brother-in-law to the rich 
Charles Chauncy, with whom he is a partner in the law business, under the firm 
of Chauncy and Chester. He is gentlemanly in manners and appearance. 

Claghorn, John W. 75,000 

Clapier, Lewis (Estate,) 50,000 

Clark, Lewis T. 50,000 

Claypoole, David C. 50,000 

At one time editor and publisher of the old " American Daily Advertiser," after- 
wards published by the late Z. Poulson. Now retired ; married a lady of New 
York the last time. Property in real estate. 

Claghorn & Hill, 75,000 

Extensive auctioneers, doing a good business in Market street. 

Clark, William M. 75,000 

Cope, Jasper (retired,) 100,000 

Corbit, Henry C. (retired,) 50,000 

Has been a member of city councils, visited Europe, been in the auction 
business, &c. 

Conner, David 150,000 

A captain in the United States navy ; once had a sword presented to him by 
our state Legislature. Married a daughter of the late Dr. Physick, and is one of 
the ornaments of our navy. 

Coxe, Daniel W. 100,000 

Once a commercial man, now retired. 
Cope, H. & A. 200,000 

Part owners of the Liverpool Une of Packets, and sons of Thomas P. Cope, in 
whose counting house they were brought up to the mercantile business. 

Cope, Todhunter & Co., 100,000 

Silk and fancy dry goods merchants, doing an extensive wholesale business. 
Cope, Caleb 250,000 

Cope, Israel (retired,) 100.000 

Cope, Godfrey (Estate,) 50,000 

Comegvs, Cornelius f Estate,) 100,000 



OP WEALTHY MEN. 15 

Cornelius & Co., 150,000 

The famous lamp and chandelier manufacturers, who have made a large 
fortune in the busmess, and are now establishing branches for the sale of their 
goods in the incorporated districts of the county of Philadelphia, and elsewhere. 
Conrad, Matthew 200 000 

Made his money in the trunk and shoe business, in a long series of years. A 
good citizen, and a self made man. 

Coxe, Dr. John R. 50 000 

A Philadelphian ; an author of a good medical work, and formerly one of the 
professors in the university of Pennsylvania. 

Coffin & Landell, 50 000 

Came from the eastward; largely engaged in the soap, candle and oil 
business. 

Cope, J. J. 50,000 

For many years first teller of the Commercial Bank ; at the death of the 

cashier, the late Mr. Smith, he was promoted to his place. 

Coles, Edward 50 000 

A retired gentleman. 

Collins, William 50 qoo 

Married the widow of Stacy Bispham, who was a partner in business at one 

time with the late enterprising and amiable citizen, Samuel Archer. 

Coburn, Robert 150 000 

Retired from business. Made the gieater part of his fortune in the distilling 

busmess, and mvested in real estate. Is a Scotchman by birth, a clever shrewd 

jo\aal old gentleman. ' ' 

Cope, Thomas P. 300,000 

For a number of years the proprietor of the Liverpool Packets, and one of our 
heaviest shippers. Is President of the Mercantile Library Company— has several 
times been a member of Select Councils, and occupied numerous other honorable 
stations. Is a philanthropist, and respected citizen. Belongs to the Society of 
Friends— was a Director of the United States Bank. Has retired from busiiaess 
and lives in an elegant mansion, in Spruce near Eighth street. ' 

Cowperthwait, Hulings 50 ooo 

Brother of Joseph C, formerly Cashier of the Bank of the United States, in the 
palmy days of Mr. Nicholas Biddle. Had a handsome legacy left him by the 
late Dr. Hulmgs. He lately erected the handsome pile of buildings in Sixth 
near Mulberry street. ^ 

Cope, Herman 50 qoq 

^iS"pf?p'^™''M'°^?^'^*^^^.^"^'''^ States-formerly in partnership 
with Caleb Cope in the silk and fancy dry goods business. He now gets a verv 
handsome salary for his services. ^ 

Cowell, John V. en nnn 

,- , ' . , 50,000 

Made his money m the retail dry goods business, and afterwards by a fortunate 

hit in the purchase of the house at the south west corner of Seventh and Cheshut 

streets. Has been twice married. 

Coleman, Obed (Estate,) 500,000 

bee Appendix. 

Cook, David 50 ooo 

Ofthe old house of Wright & Cook, dry goods merchants, who made 'their 
fortunes in more prosperous and profitable times than the present. 

Cook, Alexander (Estate,) gO 000 



16 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 

Craige, Seth 100,000 

Craig, Andrew C. 8c Co., 50,000 

One of the partners is Hugh Catherwood, who made a large fortune in the 
distilling business, and lives in good style in Walnut, west of Broad St. 

Craig, Bellas & Co., 50,000 

Craig, Holmes & Co., 100,000 

Crean, William 50,000 

Was in the lumber business with his brother John Crean, but were not very- 
successful ; he derived the chief of his fortune from his father's estate. 

Creighton & Wilson, 100,000 

Adopted citizens ; an Irish importing house of long and respectable standing. 

Crissy, James 50,000 

One of fortune's favorite sons, who made his money in a rapid manner in the 

fine and fancy book binding business. 

Crawford, Henry 50,000 

A deserving man, who made his money in the currying and leather business. 

Crawford, Stephen R. 200,000 

Crossman, Dr. T. J. 100,000 

Laid the foundation of his fortune in Philadelphia. In 1840, on his return 
from Europe, he was the first to introduce into this country, with success, the 
operation for the cure of strabismus. He now resides in New York, and is said 
to be worth trelilc this sum in good property. 

Crothers, William S. (Estate,) 60,000 

Cresson, Caleb (Estate,) 200,000 

Cresson, Elliott * 100,000 

Formerly of the old house of Cresson, Wistar & Co. ; now retired from busi- 
ness, but a great friend of the project for colonizing the blacks of the south, as 
the best mode of abolishing slavery, as well as the most satisfactory. 

Cresson, Mrs. M. 100,000 

The mother of Elliott Cresson — a widow — property in real estate. 

Cresson, Joseph 50,000 

Crutcher, Foster G. 50,000 

Cresson, Sarah C. 100,000 

Widow of the late Caleb Cresson, merchant, who still resides in the house her 
husband built, in Mulberry near Eighth street. 

Culp, Jacob 100,000 

Cuthbert, Mary 50,000 

Widow of the late Anthony Cuthbert. Property in real estate. 
Cuesta, Miss 50,000 

Davis, Thos., (Bookseller and Stationer,) 75,000 

Davies, John 50,000 

Made the chief of his money by the manufacture of blacking and vinegar, in 
which he is still engaged, also, in the distilling business in company with Charles 
Watres. Mr. Davies is an adopted citizen, and belongs to the Methodist society. 

Davis, Isaac 100,000 

This gentleman is a quaker, and, it is said, made his money a few years since. 



OP WEALTHY MEN. 17 

by the manufacture of rye coffee, and in the purchase of improving real estate in 
tlie district of Spring Garden, and elsewhere. 

Dallas, George Mifflin 50,000 

Vice President of the United States. He married a Miss Nickhn, daughter of 
the late Philip Nicklin, merchant, of this city. Has been United States Senator ; 
minister to Russia, and was repeatedly offered seats in the cabinets of Presidents 
Jackson and Van Buren. His salary is five thousand dollars per annum, as 
Vice President, and he owns the house he resides in, in W^alnut near Tenth 
street.* 

* George Mifflin Dallas was born in the city of Philadelphia, on the 10th day 
of July, 1792. The second son of Alexander J. Dallas, who occupied a distin- 
guished position amo^ig the advocates that adorned the legal profession, and in 
various consjncuous posts of public trust evinced an enlarged statesmanship and 
a devotion to the principles and policy of the republican party — the qualities of 
the sire are reflected, with remarkable fidelity, by the son. W^ell grounded in the 
rudiments of his vernacular and the classic tongues in this immediate vicinity, at 
the age of fourteen he became a student at Princeton college, where he soon 
won the affections of his companions by the many generous and manly traits of 
his character, and continued until 1810 when he was graduated with the highest 
honor of his class. His parting oration, replete whh elevated sentiment and re- 
fined feeUng, gave early promise of eloquence and of taste, which in his mature 
years has been fully redeemed, and at the same time evinced an acquaintance 
with the human character, wliich is rarely found in one so young. On leaving 
the academic shades, he was registered as a student in the office of his father, 
and although in the intervals of arduous and intense application, he touched oc- 
casionally upon light hterature, yet he lost no time in seeking and familiarizing 
himself with those principles of jurisprudence of which he became, in after years, 
so able and eloquent an expounder. 

Admitted to the bar about a year after the declaration of war with Great 
Britain, his attention to his profession was merely nominal. The call to arms 
which resounded throughout our land, was promptly responded to by him, and 
he was at once uniformed and equipped for personal service in the field, but when 
President Madison appointed Albert Gallatin a Commissioner to repau- to St. 
Petersburgh, with the view to negotiate a peace under the auspices of the Russian 
Emperor, yielding to the kind and pressing invitations that were extended to him, 
he became the private and confidential Secretary of that Envoy. Visiting, as he 
did, the principal countries of Europe, he had opportunities Which he embraced, 
of commmghng with those master spirits who were supposed to be capable of 
guidmg and governmg the world ; and when, in August, 1814, he returned to 
the United States bearing the despatches from the American Commissioners at 
Ghent, he brought with him an increased attachment to our repubhcan institutions 
and a renewed love of country. Remaining some time in Vt'ashington to assist 
in the arduous duties of the Treasures to which his father had been called, and 
whose disturbed condition required the aid of superior ability to settle, he returned 
to Philadelphia where he resumed or rather began the actual practice of the law. 
Owing to the death of his esteemed father, which soon after occurred, he was 
deprived of the benefit of his great professional assistance, and forced to throw 
himself upon his own individual energies, and being appointed, in 1817. the 
Deputy of the Attorney General, he displayed a skill in the management of crim- 
inal cases which bespoke an intimate knowledge of that interesting branch of 
jurisprudence, to which ever since he has given an occasional attention, and as 
counsel of (Jovernor Findlay, whose doings were subjected to legislative investi- 
gation, he exhibited a firmness, capacity and address worthy of an older mind, 
and "acquired a standing in his profession which might have been envied by many 
of its more practised members. Although dihgent and untiring in the pursuit of 
his avocation, he was not unmindftil of those political questions which from time 
to time arose. 

2 



18 MEMOIRS AND AUTOBIOGRAPHT 

Davis, William (retired) 100,000 

Dallett, Elijah > 50,000 

President of the Bank of Penn Township — was for a long time one of our 
largest manufacturers of soap and candles. He is an adopted citizen. 

Dallett, John 100,000 

Of the House of Dallett & Brothers ; doing an extensive business in the La- 
guayra trade, and son of E. Dallett. 

Dale, Ross & Withers 60,000 

A well known mercantile firm in Market street, engaged in the silk and fancy 
business. 

Davis, Benjamin (Brickmaker) 50,000 

Davis, Benjamin, (Merchant) " 50,000 

Davidson, Nathan 100,000 

Formerly in the dry goods business ; has been in various employments since ; 
made his own fortune, chiefly by the purchase of improving real estate. Has 
built an elegant mansion in the neighborhood of the Girard College. He married 
a Miss Lane, the daughter of an iron master. 

Dawson, M. L. (Brewer) 75,000 

Son of the late William Dawson, brewer, was brought up to the same business 
with his father. Married a Miss Poultney. 

David, Jacob 100,000 

' A retired merchant, who lately bought a handsome vacant lot, almost half a 
square, in the district of Spring Garden, for the purpose of improvement. He is 
an adopted citizen — married an American lady, and made his money here in the 
dry goods business. 

Davis, Edward M. 60,000 

Special partner of the House of Corbit & Co., in the importing and commission 

dry goods business. 

Da Costa, John C. 50,000 

An enterprising and correct merchant ; he married the daughter of Isaac W. 

Norris. 

David, Springs & Co. 50,000 

A wholesale dry goods jobbing House in Market street, doing a good country 

business. Mr. David is the son of Jacob David. 

Davies & Watres, 50,000 

Largely engaged in the distilling business at the north east corner of Pleasant 
and Twelfth streets, Spring Garden. Mr. Watres is a director of the Commercial 
Bank. He married a Miss Harper. 

Devereux, John 50,000 

An enterprising shipping merchant, and large stockholder in the Bank of Com- 
merce, of which he was once a Director. Is now a Director of the Delaware 
Insurance Company. 

Deal, Daniel 50,000 

Made his money in the dry goods business. 

Denckla, Paul 75,000 

A retired gentleman of fortune and ease. ' 

Dickson, John 100,000 

Made his money in the grocery business with Levi Taylor: is the capitalist 
of the House of Dickson & Co., southeast corner of Third and Market streets. 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 19 

Diver, Joseph 50,000 

Made his money in the grocery business, and was connected or related to the 
late rich Paul Beck, Jr. 

Dihvorth, Charles 70 000 

British agent and importer: inarried a daughter of the late John Gardiner, 
merchant, by whom he received his fortune ; is a business man. 
Dillingham, William H. 100,000 

Came from the eastward ; is an attorney at law ; married a rich lady of Chester 
county, and now resides in our city. 

Dorrance, David (Estate) 50 000 

Mr. D. was one of the keepers of the celebrated United States Hotel for several 
years, in which business he made his money ; he came from Bristol, Pa., and was 
connected with the family of the Badgers. 

Douglass, Rev. Jacob M. 50 OOO 

A retired clergyman ; a pious, good man, and one of the admirers of the late 
Rev. Dr. Joseph Pilmore, rector of St. Paul's Church. 

Douredoure, B. 50,000 

An adopted citizen, in the soap and candle business, by which he made his 
money ; is a correct, worthy man. 

Drum, William 50,000 

A victualler of Spring Garden, in which business he made his money, and in- 
vested in improving real estate. 

Drown, William A, 50 oOO 

Drayton, Col. William (Estate) 50,000 

Colonel Drayton came from the south — a citizen of some note ; was a director 
of the Bank of the United States. 

Dugan, Joseph (Estate) 400,000 

Mr. Dugan was one of the House of Savage & Dugan, an old and respectable 
shipping firm. John Savage, his partner, was an active director of the Bank of 
the United States, when it was first incorporated by Congress in 1816. 
Dulles, Aertson & Fisher, 75.000 

Dumoutet, Miss Jane 75 qoo 

Dutilh&Co.,E.G. 75'ooo 

In the forwardmg business. Charles Humphreys is the partner. 
Duane, William J. 75 000 

Son of the late William Duane, once editor of the old Aurora. Mr. D'uane 
was one of the executors to the estate of the late Stephen Girard, and by the 
commissions arising out of it, added to the estate he acquired by marriage ; he 
was for a short time Secretary of the United States Treasury, under President 
Jackson's administration, and has been a member of our city councils. He was 
brought up in his father's printing oflice, but afterwards became a lawyer in good 
practise at our courts of justice. 

Dulles, Joseph H. 100,000 

Formerly of the House of Dulles & Wilcox, in the dry goods business in Mar- 
ket street ; but is now retired. He married a Miss Peace, by whom he acquired 
some property. ^ 

Dundas, James 700 ooo 

By profession, attorney at law. President of the Commercial Bank. Married 
a daughter of the rich Henry Pratt, to whose estate he is an executor. He lately 
built the elegant mansion at the north eastern corner of Broad and Walnut streets 
m which he resides. 



20 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHT 

Dutilh, Edmund G. 50,000 

Of French descent — married a daughter of Charles Graff. Is a director of the 
Bank of the United States, and in the forwarding and commission business in 
company with Charles Humphreys. 

Durand, Elias 50,000 

Druggist, came from Baltimore ; a polite Frenchman, and highly respectable 
citizen. Property in real estate. 

Duhring, Henry 150,000 

An adopted citizen — came from Germany. By strict attention to business, and 
great industry, he has rapidly acquired this large fortune, from being a poor boy. 
He richly deserves this reward for his labors. 

Dunton, Jacob 50,000 

Duponceau, Peter S. (Estate) 100,000 

The deceased was one of the most learned and philosophical men of the present 
century ; universally revered. He was a man of great erudition. At the time of 
his death he was President of the American Philosophical Society, Historical 
Society of Pennsylvania, Athenaeum, and at the head of the Law Academy of 
Pennsylvania. His life and writings will form a valuable work. He was one of 
the greatest linguists of the age, whose memory will live in all future time. 

Duy, Lambert 50,000 

Wholesale dealer in cloths, cassimeres and vestings. 

Duncan, William 50,000 

Formerly a member of the State Legislature ; Surveyor of the port of Philadel- 
phia ; President of the Peace Society ; General of the Militia, and a good citizen. 

Dunn, Nathan (Estate,) 150,000 

Mr. Dunn was formerly in business with Charles French in the dry goods bus- 
iness ; afterwards went to Canton, China, and there amassed a large fortune ; 
became the owner of the celebrated Chinese Museum, with which he travelled to 
London and other parts of Europe. He was a native of New Jersey, and died a 
benefactor to several public institutions of our country. 

Duval, James S. (Estate,) 200,000 

Earp & Young, 50,000 

Earp, Robert 100,000 

Earp, Thomas 75,000 

Earp, George 75,000 

Three brothers, who made their money in the hardware business, in company 

with Charles Bird, with whom they were brought up to business, more than twenty 

years ago. They are all business men, shrewd, intelligent and of good standing. 

Eckfeldt, Adam 50,000 

For a long time chief coiner of the United States' Mint, and now has several 
sons engaged in said institution, and Mr. E. himself, from habit, attends almost 
every day to see that things go on right in Uncle Sam's work shop. 

Eckstein, John 50,000 

Formerly in business with Benjamin Taylor ; he is an industrious mechanic ; 

made his money in the brush-making business, and by the purchase of real estate. 

Eckels, Spangler & Ruiguel 100,000 

Egner, Charles 50,000 

Mr. Egner made his money in the grocery, liquor, and distilling business, and 
has retired from it and built himself an elegant mansion on the banks of the Del- 
aware, not far from Wilmington. 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 21 

Eisenbrey, Jr., John 50,000 

Ely, Mrs. Ann (widow) 50,000 

Elliott, Isaac 50,000 

Conveyancer ; in which business he made his money ; has been a member of 
City Councils, and filled other stations of honor and trust. 

Ely, John (corner of Spruce and Tenth streets) 75,000 

Retired from all business ; an ©Id fashioned regular merchant, who made his 
money by vigilant industry. 

Elmslie, Alexander 70,000 

A retired gentleman ; a native of Philadelphia ; made his money in the com- 
mercial hne, and invested it in good real estate, bonds and mortgages. 
Elkin, Abraham 50,000 

Elliott, John 50,000 

Belongs to the Society of Friends ; made his money in the drug and paint 
business ; now retired and happy. 

EUmaker, Mrs. H. 50,000 

Widow of Levi Ellmaker, who left his property in good real estate. 

Emlen, George 50,000 

A Philadelphian ; once visited Europe on business for the great banker, David 
Parrish, who was connected with the House of Hope & Co., Amsterdam. Mr. 
E. is a gentleman of high standing ; has been a senator in our State Legislature 
from the city proper ; was never married. 

Emerick, Peter K. (Estate) 50,000 

Eneu, Senr., James 60,000 

A retired old gentleman, living in the plainest manner ; the owner of a large 
amount of real estate in the lower part of the county. His sons and grand-sons 
have been members of our State Legislatures. 

Eppelsheimer, Lewis (Estate) 50,000 

Erwin, Mrs. Ann (Widow) 50,000 

Esher, J. & VV. 50,000 

Esherick, George 75,000 

Esherick, Joseph 60,000 

Etting & Brother, E. J. 75,000 

Iron merchants of good standing, and sons of the late Reuben Etting, who mar- 
ried a Miss Gratz, sister of Hyman, Jacob and Joseph Gratz. 

Evans, Cadwalader (Estate) 200,000 

Everly, William A. ^ 50,000 

A son of Adam Everly, and formerly in business with the late B. Reese, under 
the firm of Everly & Reese, in the comb and variety business. 

Evans, Dr. Charles 100,000 

Son of the late Griffith Evans, and worth this sum, at least, from liis father's 
estate. 

Everly, Adam, 300,000 

Made his money in the comb and fancy business, and by fortunate hits m the 
purchase of real estate. Mr. Everly was the first to introduce into the United 
States, combs made of horn in imitation of shell, and for sonic time was the only 
one in the business in the city. He may, therefore, be called the founder of the 
trade. He is a shrewd business man of very respectable standing. 



22 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGBAPHY 

Evans, Griffith (Estate) 300,000 

Evans, Joseph R. 500,000 

One of our most upright merchants. A native of Philatlelphia, ami most 
higlily respected. He was formerly in business with Mr. Maris, under the firm 
of Maris & Evans. Mr. E. is well known in Europe, and receives consignments 
from the most respectable shipping merchants residing there. 

Evans, Jr. , Joseph R. 50,000 

Son of our esteemed fellow citizen, Joseph R. Evans, Senr., a wealthy mer- 
chant. Related by marriage to Dr. Horner ; engaged in the commission business. 

Ewing, John 0. 50,000 

Now retired ; made his money in the plumbing business ; having been engaged 
in that capacity by the city authorities, for a number of years. He is somehow 
connected with the Sergeant family. 

Ewino;, Henry (Estate) 75,000 

A broker from Nashville, Tennessee, and was agent for the banks of that place 
in this city. Mr. E. studied law in the office of the late Hon. Felix Grundy, 
with President James K. Polk, and married a daughter of Mr. Grundy, by whom 
he obtained part of his fortune. His widow, Mrs. Ewing, is on very intimate 
terms with Mrs. President Polk. 

Eyre, Manuel (Estate) 50,000 

Mr. Eyre was formerly in business with Charles Massey, under the firm of 
Eyre & Massey, and were at one time largely engaged in the shipping line. He 
was at one time Director of the Bank of the United States, and a member of our 
City Councils. He married a daughter of one of our first and most eminent city 
auctioneers. 

Eyre, Abraham P. 65,000 

Farr, John 50,000 

An Englishman by birth ; a vestryman and warden of St. Paul's church. Made 
his money by the manufacture of drugs, in which business he is still largely en- 
gaged. He was formerly in business with a Mr. Kunzi, a German chemist. 

Farr, John C. 50,000 

Merchant and dealer in fancy goods, Chesnut street ; an upright and respected 
citizen ; also, an importer. 

Fales, Gcorjre 75,000 

Came from Boston — formerly in busuaess with a Mr. B. Cheerer — under the 
firm of Cheerer & Fales ; has a rich brother in Boston by the name of Samuel. 
Made some money in the dry goods and conmiission business, but acquired the 
most of his fortune by marrying the daughter of Captain Lewis Rush, deceased. 

Fallon, Christopher 75,000 

Born in Portugal of English parents ; a talented and worthy member of the bar 
with a large practice, doing business in company with his brother, J. Fallon. 

Farnum, Henry 75,000 

Fassitt, James 250,000 

Came from the eastern shore, Maryland, and was brought up by James Stokes 
in the auction jobbing business, at the south western corner of Front and Market 
streets. Made this large fortune without a cent of capital, but a large portion of 
industry and perseverance ; he is now entirely retired firom business. 

Fassitt, T. S. R. 100,000 

Married the daughter of the late Thomas Fassitt ; retired from all business, and 
enjoys life ; is fond of horses, dogs and hunting. Property in real estate. 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 28 

Fassit, Tliomas (Estate) 250,000 

Farnum, John 100,000 

FassilL & Longstreth, 100,000 

Wholesale hardware and cutlery merchants, doing a profitable business in 
Market street. 

Farquhar, Mrs. Eliza 75,000 

Residing in Chestnut street, west of Broad ; widow of a Jamaica planter, and 
is a connection of the Wetherill family. 
Farnum, Paul 50,000 

Merchant, and director of the Farmer's and Mechanic's Bank ; came from the 
eastward. 
Fearon, James (Estate) 50,000 

Soap and candle meinufacturer, in which business he made his money in the 
lower part of the city. Formerly a member of the Common Council. An Irish- 
man by birth. Lately deceased. 
Fellovves, C. 100,000 

A citizen retired upon his fortune ; he came from the south. 
Fell, Jonathan (Estate) 50,000 

Ferguson, Alexander (Estate) 50,000 

Filler, Daniel 50,000 

By trade a victualler. Once high sheriff of the city and county of Philadelphia ; 
by the fees of which office it is generally supposed he made this fortune. 

Firth, Thomas 125,000 

Formerly in business with J. C. Jones and Richard Oakford, under the firm of 
Jones, Firth & Co., at one time very extensively engaged in the Canton and Cal- 
cutta trade. He came from New Jer.scy ; a diiTctor or manager of the Schuylkill 
Navigation Company. 

Fisher, Coleman 70,000 

Son of the late Samuel W. Fisher, one of our most eminent and respected fel- 
low citizens. Mr. F. resides at a beautiful country seat near Germantown. 

Field, Fobes & Co. 50,000 

Fisher, Mrs. Mary P. 125,000 

Widow of the late W. W. Fisher. 

Fisher, Mrs. Sarah 100,000 

Widow of the late Samuel W. Fisher, residing in Chestnut street. 

Fine, Henry INI. 50,000 

A retired merchant ; son-in-law of the late Captain Gurney, of the old firm of 
Gurney «fe Smith, who were engaged in the Canton trade some thirty years ago. 

Fleming & Buzby, 50,000 

Flickinger, Isaac 50,000 

Florence, William 150,000 

A respectable Hebrew — born in this city, but made his money in New Orleans. 
He married a Miss Seixas, sister of David G. Seixas, formerly teacher of the deaf 
and dumb in this city. He is a most estimable citizen, and resides in Girard 
Row, Chestnut street. 

Flvience, Jacob I. 500,000 

Brother to the above, born here, and also made the chief of his large fortune in 

New Orleans. He married a Miss Levy, of the W^est Indies, and resides in the 

house owned by the estate of the late Benjamin C. Wilcox, 11th and Walnut sts. 



24 MFMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 

Fling, William R. 50,000 

By trade a cabinet maker ; at one time a member of our State Legislature ; 
made his money by his trade, and in the purchase of real estate. 

Fleming, Robert (Estate) 600,000 

Ford, John 50,000 

Formerly of the House of Roland & Ford, wholesale grocers. He manied the 
daughter of the late Guy Bryan, by whom he received a fortune ; now retired. 

Fontanges, P. F. 50,000 

A retired merchant ; formerly of the old House of Ch apron, Frenaye & Co.; 

made most of his money in the Mexican trade. A Frenchman by birth, who has 

always refused to become naturalized. He has a sister married to Robt. Sykes, Esq. 

Folwell, William 50,000 

A Philadelphian, belongmg to the Society of Friends, who made his money in 

the auction and commission business. 

Ford, John M. 50,000 

Importer of saddlery hardware, doing an extensive and profitable business. 
Forrest, Edwin 150,000 

We claim this distinguished tragedian as a Philadelphian. He was born among 
us ; was a poor boy ; and made his fortune. He married a daughter of Mr. Sin- 
clair, the English vocalist. Mr. Forrest has wisely invested a large portion of his 
funds in real estate, in several States of the union. He has two sisters living in 
this city. His father was runner to the first bank of the United States, and was 
a good officer. 

Fotterall, Mrs. S. 100,000 

Fotterall, William F. 100,000 

Fotterall, Slephen G-, 100,000 

The above three individuals are all living retired, having amassed fortunes 
several years since. William F. is the owner of a large amount of valuable real 
estate in the most desirable parts of the city. His mansion at the north west cor- 
ner of Chestnut and Thirteenth streets, is said to be one of the finest finished 
houses in Philadelphia. The Fotteralls were always famous for buying and 
keeping corner properties. 

Forten, James (Estate) 50,000 

A native of Philadelphia, and a singular instance of a colored man rising to for- 
tune and respect, by sheer industry and correct deportment ; he made his money 
in the sail-making business, and died much lamented. He was a man of integrity 
and genuine politeness. 

Freed, Ward & Freed, 50,000 

Wholesale and retail flour factors, doing an active and profitable business in 
Market street near Broad. The Freeds are sons of David Freed. 

Freeman, Henrj' G. 75,000 

Son of T. B. Freeman, deceased. Made his own money — was a notary public 
for many years. A respectable, high minded gentleman. Is by profession an 
attorney at law, but now somewhat retired, and resides in an elegant mansion he 
built in West Philadelphia. 

Freed, David 75,000 

A retired flour factor ; a shrewd man of business, with his property invested in 
bonds, mortgages, and real estate. 

Frazer, John F. 100,000 

Francis, Field & Francis, 75,000 

Manufacturers and importers, doing a large and profitable business. Here is 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 



25 



another instance of the effects of industry, enterprise and application to business : 
we record with pleasure fortunes thus made. They are all adopted citizens. 
Frenaye, Mark Anthony 50,000 

Formerly of the House of Chapron, Frenaye & Co., silk merchants. By birth 
a Frenchman— now retired from all business, and lives in the Bishop's house of 
St. John's church, having given all his worldly goods to farther the cause of reli- 
gion. He is a sincere christian, a meek citizen, and a man of great integrity and 
worth, much esteemed by all his countrymen. 

Fraley, Mrs. R. W. (Widow) 75,000 

Frank, Christian 50,000 

Of German extraction — a worthy citizen, and made his own money. 
Fraley, John U. 50,000 

One of our oldest citizens. He made his money in the baking business, in 
Church alley, some thirty years ago. 
Francis, Charles (Estate) 50,000 

Fullerton, Alexander 75,000 

Retired from business to live upon his fortune ; son of the late Alexander Ful- 
lerton, merchant, from whose estate he received some property — married a Miss 
Sheepshanks, with whom he obtained considerable wealth, but made the principal 
part of his estate in the wholesale and retail drug business in Market street. 
Furness, James T. 75,000 

Made his money in the auction business, as one of the firm of Thomas, Furness 
& Co., North Second street. 

Gaskill, Benjamin 50,000 

Made his money in the book-bindmg business by great assiduity. 
Garrison, John 50,000 

A rich man with no children ; came from New Jersey ; was in partnership with 
his brother-in-law, E. Van Syckle, in the wholesale distilling business. 

Gaul, Frederick, Senr., (Estate) 75,000 

Mr. Gaul made his money in the brewing business with Caspar W. Morris, 
under the firm of Morris & Gaul. 
Geyer, William B. 75,000 

Son of John Geyer, baker ; served his time with Samuel Story, to the currying 
business. Married a Miss Herman, by whom he acquired a fortune ; is still en- 
gaged in the leather and currying business. 

Geisse, William 75,000 

An enterprising and respectable German merchant, who made his own money 
by importations from Germany and elsewhere. 

Geisse, George W. 50,000 

A gentlemanly adopted citizen, and wholesale importing merchant. 

Get,hin,John 50,000 

A Director of the Schuylkill Bank, (an adopted citizen,) otherwise retired from 
all business. 

Gest, John 50,000 

Register of Wills under the administration of Governor Ritner ; owns consider- 
able real estate ; came from Lanca«ter county, and is a good and worthy citizen. 

Gill, William 75,000 

Formerly an auctioneer in partnership with George Thomas and John B. 

Myers ; now retired from all busuiess. 



26 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 

Gihon & Co., John 200,000 

Large importers from New York and England. 
Gilpin, Henry D. 80,000 

Attorney at law, and son of the late Joshua Gilpin ; is a citizen of some emi- 
nence, and has been honored with several important stations, among them Attor- 
ney General of the United States ; married the widow of a late distinguished son 
of Louisiana, Hon. U. S. Johnston. Mr. Gilpin is a fine writer and an erudite 
scholar, and contributes to several periodicals, and among them, to the Democratic 
Magazine. 

Gibson, John 50,000 

Gilbert, Frederick (Estate) 100,000 

Mr. Gilbert was very fortunate in the dry goods business ; was once concerned 
with a Mr. Grambo, under the firm of Gilbert & Grambo. 

Gibson, James 50,000 

Attorney at law, now retired ; property well secured in real estate. 
Gill, John (Estate) 50,000 

Mr. G. came from Baltimore; was a successful merchant in the dry goods busi- 
ness, as one of the firm of Gill, Ferguson & Co. 

Gibson, Dr. William 75,000 

Is a professor of surgery in the University of Pennsylvania ; with a yearly in- 
come of §5000 therefrom. Originally came from Baltimore. He possesses a fine 
taste for good horses, and is a perfect gentleman. 

Girard, Stephen (Estate) 7,000,000 

Originally about seven millions of dollars in amount — now much reduced by 
the great expense of the college, and the loss in the Bank United States and other 
stocks, which were not sold at the death of this great public benefactor, a brief of 
whose life we append. (Xj^See Appendix. 

Glentvvorth, Dr. George P. 75,000 

A Philadelphian. Owns coal lands — also, a handsome country seat in the neigh- 
borhood of the city, besides real estate in the city. Is in the retail drug business. 

Goddard & Parker, 50,000 

In the grocery and commission business. Robert Toland is the special partner. 

Godley & Co., Jesse 50,000 

Godey, Lewis A. 50,000 

Made his own money by publishing the Lady's Book ; another instance of suc- 
cess, with those who endeavor to cater for and please the ladies. 

Goddard, Dr. Paul B. 80,000 

Son of John Goddard, and grand-son of Paul Beck, Jr., from the last of whom 
he received his fortune ; he resides in a splendid mansion, in Race near Thirteenth 
street, and is an accomplished gentleman and erudite scholar. 

Gorgas, S. G. 60,000 

Gowan, James 150,000 

An adopted citizen. Made the bulk of his money in the liquor business ; was 
at one time an active politician and defeated in a contest for a seat in congress in 
the First District ; is now one of the best agriculturists in the state, and has a 
splendid farm in the vicinity of Germantown ; is celebrated for his fine cattle. 

Goodman, John 50,000 

An ancient citizen of the Northern Liberties ; once a magistrate, justice of the 
peace, and notary public ; made his money after a long series of years devoted to 
his vocation. Property chiefly in real estate. 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 27 

Goldey, Lewis 75,000 

Graff, Frederick 50,000 

Brother of Charles Graff. Married a Miss Swoyer of Gerniantown ; city su- 
perintendent of the Schuylkill Fair Mount Wder Works, ever since their first 
establishment ; his property is in real estate, and bonds and mortgages ; he is a 
respectable and worthy citizen. 

Grover, Thomas D. 125,000 

Has risen to his present wealthy and honorable position from the humble occu- 
pation of a wharf builder ; he has been elected to numerous ofiices of honor and 
trust ; was chosen the year before last a member of the board of county commis- 
sioners by the Native American party ; commenced life almost pennyless, and 
without education, and amassed his fortune by untiring industry ; the district of 
Southwark is largely indebted to Mr. G. for his liberality, and the poor have found 
in him a generous friend. 

Gralz, Hyman 75,000 

President of the Pennsylvania company for insurance on lives and gi-anting 
annuities ; a respectable Hebrew ; formerly in the mercantile business, now de- 
voted to the business and interests of this institution. 

la z, osep ) J Brothers of the above H. Gratz. \ ,^' ^^ 
Gratz, Jacob 5 ( 50,000 

Grant, Samuel 100.000 

Of the old House of Grant & Stone ; a New England merchant — a plodding, 
straight forward trader, who has passed safely through all the changes of trade 
and currency for the last thirty years. 

Groves, Daniel 50,000 

A retired mechanic, who did a great deal of public work ; was once a State 
Senator from the county of Philadelphia, now living at his ease upon the fruits of 
his own industry. 

Graff, Charles (Estate) 150,000 

This gentleman has attended to no business since his marriage, save that of a 
bank director, or a common councilman ; he married a lady of large fortune. He 
died recently. 

Grove, Henry 50,000 

A worthy, honest man, who made his own money by industry and economy. 

Grim, Peter 75,000 

Made his money in the brick-making business, and is an industrious worthy 
citizen. 

Greenfield, Mrs. Elizabeth (Widow)— (Estate) 100,000 

Grundy, Edmund 50,000 

Gray, Robert E. 75,000 

Married a Mrs. Scott, who was once a Mrs. Shcaff, and before that a great belle 
of our city. Mr. G. was brought up to, and now is in the brewing business. 

Greiner, Willi aiTi S 50,000 

In the cotton and commission shipping business. A Philadclphian, and son of 
the late John Greiner, merchant. 

Gumbes, Mrs. Rebecca 100.000 

Widow — daughter of the late Samuel Wethcrill, .Tr. 
Grigg & Elliott, 400.000 

Extensive wholesale booksellers and publishers. John Grigg came from the 
eastward ; married a lady of New England, and is a shrewd business man who 
made his fortune here. 



28 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 

Harding, Jr., John 150,000 

Wholesale grocer, once a poor boy ; made his own money, and deserves credit 
for his industry and perseverance. 

Harbert, Isaac 50,000 

A well known bricklayer by trade ; made his own money by his business, and 

in the purchase of improving real estate. Property in real estate and bank stocks. 

Harbert & Davis, 50,000 

Lumber merchants, doing a good business ; shrewd, deserving men of active 
habits. Property in real estate ; Philadelphians by birth. 

Harrison, George (Estate) 300,000 

Was a director of the first Bank United States, incorporated in 1791 by Con- 
gress. For a long series of years navy agent of Philadelphia, under several ad- 
ministrations of the general government. 

Hart, Tiiomas 150,000 

Hart, William H. 150,000 

Harland, John 100,000 

A widower, retired from all business : He married the widow of the late Samuel 
Eldridge by whom he acquired a portion of his fortune. He has a handsome 
residence in Germantown, besides one in the city. 

Hallowell, William S. 50,000 

In the hardware and cutlery business ; a member of the Society of Friends ; 
married two daughters of the late Thomas Phipps, by whom he acquired the most 
of his fortune. 

Handy, George 50,000 

Formerly in the hardware business — and now has two brothers in the same 
trade with William Buehler. Mr. H. is a native of the eastern shore of Maryland, 
was brought up by Mr. Charles Bird, and is a man of active business habits. 

Harvey, Isaac 100,000 

Formerly a partner in business with the rich Paul Beck, Jr., deceased, who 
married his sister. Mr. H. lives in much style and comfort in his own house in 
Chestnut near Twelfth street ; he owns considerable real estate in the district of 
Moyamcnsing. 

Hacker, Isaiah 150,000 

Came from New England in quite moderate circumstances ; belongs to the 
Society of Friends, and made the chief of his large fortune in a very few years. 

Hacker, Isaac 100,000 

A brother to the above, who came from New England soon after Isaiah, and 
succeeded in his efforts to acquire a fortune. 

Hacker, Jeremiah 100,000 

Also a brother of Isaiah, and also a follower of the footsteps of fortune. 
Hacker, William E. 100,000 

Also a brother, and a favorite of fortune. 

Hartshorne, Dr. Joseph 100,000 

An eminent physician of great practice, and reasonable charges ; owner of val- 
uable real estate in the city and county ; in the purchase of which he made some 
lucky hits. 

Harley, Francis 50,000 

Haseltine, John 100,000 

Came from New England, and made his own money in the boot, shoe and 
bonnet business. 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 29 

Hazlehurst, Isaac 75,000 

Is a lawyer of standing, and has been a representative from the city in the state 
legislature ; is a director in the Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Company ; he is 
generally esteemed for his excellent qualities ; is related by marriage to the Ash- 
hurst family. 

Haines, Samuel 50,000 

For a long time city surveyor, with a good opportunity to increase his riches by 
the purchase of improving real estate. He is a worthy and respectable citizen. 

Hare, Dr. Robert 250,000 

Is one of the professors in the University of Pennsylvania, celebrated in the art 
of chemistry ; is a great genius. He obtained the chief of his fortune by marriage, 
and is from one of the ancient and most respectable families of Philadelphia. 

Hart, J. H. & W. B. 50,000 

Sons of Thomas Hart, in the wholesale grocery business in N. Third street. 

Halloweli & Co., M. L. 50,000 

Silk merchants ; the senior partner received some property by marriage. 

Hansell, William M. 50,000 

Made his money in company with George and Joseph Esherick in the dry 
goods business, and deserves much credit for his success in life. 

Hazlehurst, Samuel 100,000 

Married a fortune and retired from all commercial business. 

Harman, Jacob 50,000 

By industry and economy amassed the above sum, which is principally in- 
vested in real estate. 

Hall, Rev. Richard 50,000 

A clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal church ; when a youth undertook to 
learn the watch-making business with Benjamin and Ellis Clark, but afterwards 
took to the study of divinity. 

Harris, Gebhard 50,000 

By birth a German. Originally a cabinet maker ; has made his money princi- 
pally in speculation, a rather uncertain way generally. 

Hammersley, George 50,000 

Hart, A. 150,000 

Of the firm of Carey & Hart, booksellers and publishers. 

Hand, James C. 50,000 

A director of the Bank of North America, formerly with David W. Prescott, 

now in a large business and making money ; married a daughter of James Martin. 

Hemphill, Mrs. Antoinetta 60,000 

This sum was bequeathed by Stephen Girard to his niece, Mrs. Hemphill, the 
wife of John Hemphill, at one time a merchant in extensive business and enjoy- 
ing a good credit. " Fifty thousand dollars," however, of this sum is left to be 
" paid over to a trustee or trustees, to be appointed by his executors, which trustee 
or trustees shall place and continue the said sum of fifty thousand dollars upon 
good security, and pay the interest and dividends thereof, as they shall from time 
to time accrue, to his said niece for her separate use during the term of licr life, 
and fi-om, and immediately after her decease, to pay and distribute the caj)ital to 
and among such of her children and the issue of deceased children, and in such 
parts and shares as she the said Antoinetta, by any instrument under her hand 
and seal, executed in the presence of at least two credible witnesses, shall direct 
and appoint, and for default of such appointment, then to and among the said 
children and issue of deceased children in equal shares, such issue of deceased 



30 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 

children, if more than one, to take only the share which their deceased parent 
would have taken if living." 

Hewson, Dr. T. M. 100,000 

An eminent physician of long standing : married a Miss Cox, by whom he 
added to his fortune. 

Henry, Alexander 500,000 

An adopted citizen, who came to Philadelphia pennyless. A most estimable 
man — beloved for his philanthrophy and benevolence of heart. Formerly an ex- 
tensive importing merchant and British agent, but now retired from all business. 
Is at the head of several useful institutions. The Rev. John Chambers married a 
daughter of Mr. H. who was the widow of the late Silas E. Weir, auctioneer. 

Hembel, William 75,000 

An old, retired and respected importer of dry goods, from England ; a member 
of the Humane and Philosophical Society of Philadelphia. 

Henderson, George 50,000 

A fortunate wholesale hatter, who made his own money and is very deserving. 
Heald, Woodward & Co., 100,000 

A large tobacco establishment ; men of great business habits, driving a capital 
trade. 
Heyl, John 100,000 

A retired brush maker, in which he made his money ; property in good real 
estate. 
Hertzog, Mrs. Peter 75,000 

V/idow of the late Peter Hertzog, who made his money in the sugar refining 
business. 

Henrion, S. 100,000 

A gentlemanly Frenchman, who made his money in the fancy and fine con- 
fectionary business in Market street. 

Heylin, Dr. R. 50,000 

A respectable and worthy citizen, who made his own money chiefly by export- 
ing genseng to China ; came to this city a poor boy, and prides himself upon his 
success in life. His first outset in life was on board of an East Indiaman, as 
physician for the voyage. 

Hess, John (Estate) 50,000 

Heiss, William 50,000 

Heberton, Mrs. Ann 50,000 

Hewitt, Thomas (Estate) 50,000 

Hildebuni, Samuel 100,000 

Formerly importer of watches, &c., by which he made his money ; is an esti- 
mable man and good citizen. 

Hill, James 50,000 
An industrious hatter, who made his own money by strict attention to business. 

Hildeburn, Son & Co., Samuel 150,000 

Hillborn, Cyrus 100,000 

An unassuming citizen, belonging to the Society of Friends, who made his 

money by importing British dry goods. 

HieskiU, Hoskins&Co., 100,000 
Wholesale dry goods merchants of good standing. 

Houston & Co., Churchhill 50,000 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 31 

Hockley, John 50,000 

At present cashier of the Bank of North America, in which institution he was 
for some years a clerk. He is a man of good business habits and correct moral 
deportment. 

Howell & Brothers, 50,000 

Howell, William T., & Co. 75,000 

Wholesale hardware merchants. Mr. H. is the active partner, and is a shrewd, 
enterprising business man of great tact and talent. 

Hoeckley, Frederick 50,000 

A retired merchant ; married a Miss Herman, by whom he acquired a consider- 
able portion of his fortune. 

Horner, Dr. William E. 50,000 

One of the skilftil professors of the University of Pennsylvania. He married a 
Miss Welsh, the daughter of John Welsh, merchant. 

Horn, Henry 80,000 

Far a long time in the hardware saddlery business with the late Christian 
Kneas, under the firm of Horn & Kneas. Mr. Horn is a sound and consistent 
democrat, the architect of his own fortune, and of respectable standing in society. 
He was lately appointed collector of this port of entry by President Polk, but re- 
jected by the United States Senate. 

Hoiahan, Amos 60,000 

Was for a long time one of the hands in the United States Mint, afterwards 
kept a public house, and by great industry amassed a fortune. He owns con- 
siderable valuable real estate in the city proper, and is much respected. 

Ho2;an & Thompson, 75,000 

Extensive publishers and stationers. Have a House in New Orleans. 

Howell & Co., Joseph 50,000 

Sons of the late Arthur Howell, a preacher among the Society of Friends ; in 
the leather and currying business. 

Hoopes, T. P. 50,000 

In the hardware business — was a large stockholder in the Girard Bank, and 
other money stocks ; is a respectable and shrewd merchant. 

Holmes, John (Estate) 100,000 

Hortsman, William H. 100,000 

An adopted citizen ; much respected ; keeps the large and handsome military 
store, in North Third street near Mulberry. 

Hollingshead, Hugh F. (Estate) 50,000 

Hoopes, Wolfe & Baker, 75,000 

Wholesale hardware and cutlery merchants ; strict business men, doing a capi- 
tal trade. 

Hulme, Thomas 150,000 

A retired gentleman ; an Englishman by birth, who came to this country more 
than twenty years ago. He made the chief of his money by saving-labor mr.chinc- 
ry in England, previous to the troubles caused by the great improvement in its 
invention ; he is an ardent friend of American manufactures, and although retired 
from all business, takes great pleasure in arguing in favor and support of promo- 
tion, protection and success of the American arts. 

Hutchinson, B. P. 50,000 

One of our largo stock brokers ; was brought up with the late (Jcorge Taylor, 
who was engaged in the same business ; he is a son of the rich M. Hutchinson, 
gentleman. 



32 MEMOIRS AND AUTO- BIOGRAPHY 

Hubbell, F. W. 50,000 

An eminent attorney at law from New England ; doing a large business at our 
courts. 

Hutchinson, James 50,000 

A retired carpenter, and late President of the Board of Health. 

Humphreys, Stern 50,000 

Married a daughter of Matthew L. Bevan, and one of the House of Bevan & 
Humphreys — extensive shipping and commission merchants. 



Ingraham, Edward D. 50,000 

Attorney at law, with a good practice, and a genuine wit ; a collector of rare 
books, curiosities, gems, and a most pleasant and agreeable companion ; a highly 
respectable citizen and a man of great erudition. 

Ingersoll, Charles J. 100,000 

A distinguished lawyer and politician, having long been one of the prominent 
leaders of the democratic party in Pennsylvania. At present a representative in 
congress of the United States from the fourth district, having been re-elected in 
1844. He has occupied several honorable posts, both national and state ; and is 
considered a quick and powerful debater ; is the son of the late Jared Ingersoll, an 
eminent jurist of his day. 

Ingersoll, Joseph R. 150,000 

Brother to the above, and one of the most learned, gentlemanly, and eminent 
men of the day. A sound lawyer, an eloquent orator, and a benevolent citizen. 
Repeatedly honored by the voters of the city proper with a seat in congress of the 
United States, and at present the able representative of the second district. He 
is a warm and ardent whig ; the devoted friend of Henry Clay and a protective 
tariff. Mr. I. is also a man of strict moral principles, and a zealous advocate of 
Christianity. The brothers married sisters, and have often been in congress to- 
gether representing the two different and prominent political parties of the coun- 
try. He is one of the executors to the estate of the late Benjamin C. Wilcox, 
his brother-in-law. 

Ingersoll, Charles 100,000 

Son of Charles Jarcd Ingersoll ; married a Miss Brown, daughter of Menertin 
Brown ; a sound lawyer, liberal minded and amiable — property chiefly in real 
estate. 

Israel, W. P. 60,000 

Merchant, married a daughter of the late Robert Wain, who was at one time 
one of our most extensive shipping merchants, engaged in the Canton and Cal- 
cutta trade. 



Jackson, Dr. Samuel 75,000 

One of the professors in the University of Pennsylvania, and a most skilful 
physician, especially in cases of nervous complaints. A Philadelphian by birth, 
and a most estimable and worthy citizen ; he was once engaged with his mother 
in the drug and chemical business. 

Janney, Dr. Benjamin S. 75,000 

A fortunate purchaser of real estate, and a successful and, respectable prac- 
titioner of medicine. Property chiefly in real estate. 

Jayne, Dr. David 75,000 

One of the most successful inventors of patent medicines in the United States, 



OF WEALTHY MEN. ^ 

by which he is rapidly reaping a princely fortune. His name is now proverbial 
throughout the whole land, and very justly, as his ingenuity has done much to 
alleviate human suffering. Dr. Jayne is an upright, worthy citizen. 

Jeans, Isaiah 50,000 

Jenks, Joseph R. 75,000 

Jenks, Watson 50,000 

Married a daughter of the late Jacob Justice ; has money invested at interest ; 
is a flour factor or merchant, and resides in an elegant mansion opposite to Frank- 
lin Square. 

Jordan, John 75,000 

Jordan, Francis 75,000 

Jordan, Miss 75,000 

Jones, Samuel W. 100,000 

Johnson, T. & J. W. 150,000 

Law Booksellers, who succeeded Nicklin & Johnson. 

Jones, Benjamin 50,000 

Retired from all business, and the father of Benjamin Jones, Jr., who is a di- 
rector of the Bank of Pennsylvania. 

Jones, George W. 50,000 

Formerly in partnership with Isaac Myer, in the painting and glazing business ; 
now retired, having visited Europe after making his fortune. 

Johnson, Robert S. 75,000 

A shrewd, intelligent merchant, largely engaged in the iron business ; property 
chiefly in real estate ; a director of the Commercial Bank. 

Jones, Jacob P. 75,00© 

Johnson, A. W. 75,000 

Obtained his money by marriage, and retired from commercial business. 
Johnson, Lawrence, (Type-Founder, George st.) 75,000 

Justice, G. R. 50,000 

Son of the late Jacob Justice — G. R. Justice was for a long time in business 
with his father and amassed considerable riches thereby. 

Justice, G. M. 100,000 

Justice, Jacob (Estate) 250,000 

Mr. J. made his own money in the hardware business, after being engaged in it 
for a long series of years in Market st., and for a long while one of the few whole- 
sale men in that line. His money chiefly invested in good bonds and mortgages. 

Kane, John K. 75,000 

Attorney General of the State under Governor Shunk ; son of the late Elisha 
Kane, who came from Albany, state of New York. He married the daughter of 
the late Thomas Leiper, Esq., tobacconist, from Scotland, and a staunch democrat 
— a good, honest man, who came to this country early in life, and was in the re- 
volution, and was a member of the first troop of City Cavalry. Mr. K. is a man 
of abilities and exceedingly pleasing manners ; has been a director of the Girard 
Bank. Recently appointed United States District Judge. 

Kartsher, John C. 50,000 

Kates, Michael 75,000 

Of German extraction ; made his money by years of honest industry as a bell 
hanger and silver plater, and invested it in good real estate. 
3 



34 MEMOIRS AND AVTO-BIOGRAPHT 

Kates, William 50,000 

Brother of Michael Kates ; also a bell hanger and lock-smith ; made his money 
by years of industry, and invested in real estate. 

Kelly, Thomas 200,000 

Of the old House of Thomas and Philip Kelly, who made a large fortune 
in the trunk and leather business in Market street. Philip died some years ago, 
and Thomas is now retired from all trade and commerce, attending only to the 
receiving of the income derived from real estate in the city proper. 

Kerr, James 100,000 

Made his money in the saddlery and harness business in Market street, and 

invested it in good real estate. 

Kennedy, John M. 50,000 

In the shipping and commission business : a shrewd, intelligent merchant ; has 

been a commissioner of the Northern Liberties. 

Keyser, Elhanan W. 50,000 

This gentleman has twice been the candidate of the Native American party, 
for Mayor of the city proper ; has been largely engaged in the lumber business, 
and is a man of good business habits ; property in real estate. 

Keyser, Peter A. 75,000 

Brother to the above, in the lumber business also, a shrewd, intelligent man. 

Kessler, John (Estate) 60,000 

Keith, Samuel 50,000 

Formerly President of the Delaware Insurance Company ; from one of the old- 
est families of our city, and a worthy man. Property in real estate. 

Kennedy, James M. 60,000 

Kerr & Son, 50,000 

Made their money in the china and crockery business ; came to this country 
poor; are Europeans by birth. 

Keen, John E. 50,000 

Keen, Miss Sarah 50,000 

Neice of tlie late David Lennox, who was a brother to the rich Robert Len- 
nox of New York. 

Keating, John 75,000 

A retired French gentleman. 

Kite, Joseph S. 50,000 

The enterprising rail-roal manager, and until lately the proprietor of several 
lines of handsome omnibuses, that ran daily from the Exchange to the Girard 
College, and north and south by Sixth, Eighth and Tenth streets, having sold the 
.same to Jacob Peters & Co. for upwards of forty thousand dollars. The property 
of Mr. K. now chiefly consists of real estate. 

Kirkpatrick, David 75,000 

Formerly in business with the late Timothy Abbott, in the leather and curry- 
ing trade ; a director of the Bank of the Northern Liberties. 

Kimball, Leonard 50,000 

Secretary of the Washington Insurance Company ; a native of the state of 
Connecticut, was formerly employed as a broker ; a respectable and upright citi- 
zen of good business qualifications. It is said that he bears a strong likeness to 
the late and celebrated Dr. Benjamin Franklin. He married many years ago the 
daughter of the late Hon. Charles Smith, of Lancaster, Pa.; and by his marriage 
acquired some property. 



OP WEALTHY MEN. 35 

King, Francis 100,000 

Son of the late Daniel King. 
Kirkham, William 50,000 

A retired retail dry goods merchant; derived his money from his parents' estate; 
is a director for the Pennsylvania Company for Insurances, &c. 
Kirk, William 75,000 

Retired from business ; made his fortune by hard labor in the brick making 
trade. 

Klett, Frederick 100,000 

Came to this country poor ; is a German by birth, and nov? consul general for 
Wurtemburg. He is engaged extensively in the drug business : a self-made man 
and a good citizen. 
Knecht, Gabriel 50,000 

A German by birth ; a drover, doing a large business in the pork line ; property 
consists of real estate and bank stocks; is a director of the Bank of Penn Town- 
ship. 
Koons, Isaac 50,000 

Korn, Henry 50,000 

An adopted citizen ; an Englishman by birth. Manufacturer of military goods 

and horse fly nets, by which he made his money. A respectable, upright citizen. 

Korckhaus, A. 100,000 

An extensive importer of Swiss and German goods ; an adopted citizen. 

Kohne, Mrs. E. 300,000 

Widow of the late Mr. Kohne, from South Carolina, residing in Chestnut 

street, in the elegant mansion built by her late husband. 

Knight, Joseph 50,000 

Iron and coal merchant, in which business he acquired his money ; a great 
friend to the protection of American manufactures. 

Kuhn, Jr., Hartman 100,000 

Son of the late lamented Charles Kuhn. He lately married a daughter of his 
rich uncle, Hartman Kuhn. 

Kuhn, Charles (Estate) 100,000 

Kuhl, Henry 100,000 

Formerly cashier of the Farmers* and Mechanics' Bank, and once a clerk in 
the first bank of the United States ; now retired from all business. 

Kunzi, Abram 50,000 

A retired manufacturing chemist, who made the most of his money originally 
by the manufacture of Quinine, in business with John Farr. 

Kuhn, Hartman 300,000 

Son of the late Dr. Kuhn, an able physician — eminent in his day. Mr. K. 
married the daughter of the late rich James Lisle, of the House of Lisle & New- 
man, and is a highly respected and estimable citizen, living in elegance and style. 

Lapsley, Joseph B. 100,000 

S( n of the late David Lapsley ; made his money in the carpet business chiefly, 
and obtained some by marriage ; now retired. 

La Roche, Dr. R. 50,000 

Lawrence, Mrs. M. E. 50,000 

Widow of Isaac W. Lawrence ; obtained her money from her father's and hus- 
band's estates. 



36 MEMOIRS AND ACTO-BIOGRAPHY 

Latour, John 100,000 

Lajus, Paul 50,000 

Made his money in the confectionery, and West India shipping business ; an 
adopted citizen of respectable standing. 
Langstroth, C. S. 50,000 

In partnership with E. W. Keyser in the lumber business. Property in real 
estate. 
Lambert, Gershom W. 50,000 

Formerly in business with a Mr. Johns, under the firm of Lambert & Johns in 
the dry goods trade ; now retired. Property chiefly in real estate, in the district 
of Spring Garden. 
Landreth,D.&Munns, 50,000 

Made their money as seedsmen and florists, a business in which they have long 
been engaged. Are celebrated for the production of rare and handsome plants. 
Lang, Jane 50,000 

An industrious, persevering lady, who has made a fortune in the retail dry 
goods business ; having been established for a series of years, in north Eighth 
street, and keeping always a choice and well selected stock of fancy and staple 
articles. 
Lambert, John (Estate) 50,000 

Mr. L. was a retired British agent ; an Englishman by birth. He bought the 
country seat, which formerly belonged to the late Samuel Archer, on Turner's 
Lane near the Ridge Road. 
Lapsley, David 100,000 

Son of David Lapsley, Senr., made the chief of his money in the carpet busi- 
ness ; received something handsome from his father's estate, and obtained some by 
marriage. 
Lennig, N. (Estate) 200,000 

Mr. L. made his money in the wholesale drug and chemical business. 
Lennig, Frederick 150,000 

Lewis, Robert M. 100,000 

Married a daughter of the late John Clement Stocker, by whom he obtained 
his fortune. 

Lewis, Lawrence 75,000 

Formerly a supercargo to the East Indies, and made some money in that busi- 
ness. He also married a daughter of the late John Clement Stocker, by whom 
he obtained the most of his fortune. 

Lentz, John 50,000 

Manufacturer of looking glasses, north Third street ; a good citizen. 

Lewis, M. D., E. J. 50,000 

Son of A. J. Lewis — importing merchant. Married wealthy, and lives in a 
splendid mansion at the south east corner of Eleventh and Clinton streets. 

Lewis, John F. 200,000 

Made his money by hard work in the first instance, with Silas E. Weir and 
others, in the auction business, afterwards in the Canton and shipping trade ; a 
good citizen, shrewd merchant, and a prudent parent. 

Lewis, Edwin M. 50,000 

A son of the above, who married a Miss Steltwagon. 



OF WEALTHY MEN, 37 

Levy, Patrick 50,000 

Distiller, Market beyond Broad street. 

Lewis, M. D. 50,000 

Made some of his money and obtained some by marriage. In the domestic dry 
goods commission business. 

Lehman, William E. 200,000 

Made his own money chiefly in the wholesale and retail drug business, here 
and in New Orleans. Is a brother to the present postmaster, Dr. George F. Leh- 
man, also his security to the U. S. Government. 

Levy, L. J. 50,000 

Mr. L. made his money in the fancy dry goods business, and has the most 
splendid establishment for the sale and exhibition of superior goods in Philadel- 
phia. He keeps the best imported goods, and has a run of the best custom in 
our city. 

Lea & Blanchard, 50,000 

Le Fevre, James 50,000 

Formerly agent for the Union line of packets to Baltimore, before the estabUsh- 
ment of steamboats and the erection of railroads ; a director of the Commercial 
Bank, and a good citizen. 

Leiper, Thomas (Estate) 100,000 

He was the father of George G., Samuel M., and William G. Leiper, and of 
Mrs. Kane and Mrs. Taylor. 

Lewis, A. J. & Co. 100,000 

A wholesale importing house. Mr. Lewis, the senior partner, came from Bal- 
timore, and is a shrewd, intelligent merchant. They have a House in Manches- 
ter, England, represented by a brother of A. J. Lewis. Mr. L. is a director of the 
American Insurance Company. 

Lewis, Samuel A. 50,000 

Lewis, Samuel N. 60,000 

Lewis, Mordecai 75,000 

Formerly in the shipping business with his brother above, Samuel N.; made 
their money since, in the manufacture of white lead, and by the purchase of im- 
proving real estate. 

Lewis, Mrs. Wharton 50,000 

Lex, Charles F. 50,000 

Leland, Charles 75,000 

Made his money in the wholesale bonnet and shoe business ; he is a director 
of the Mechanics' Bank, and a merchant in good standing. 

Leamy, Mrs. Elizabeth (Widow) 50,000 

Leadbeater, John 50,000 

Lea, Lsaac 50,000 

Leaming, J. F. 50,000 

Lea, Bunker & Co. 50,000 

Commission merchants, doing a good business on south wharves. 

Levick, Ebenezer 50,000 

Made his own money in the currying and leather business. 

Leland, Amos 50,000 

Merchant, Market street ; came from the eastward and made all his money here. 



38 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGEAPHY 

Lentz, Henry (Estate) 100,000 

Leon, Dr. Joseph 50,000 

Levy, Joseph 75,000 

Lea, Joseph 50,000 

Brother to Thomas and Isaac Lea, members of the firm of Hacker, Lea & Co., 
extensive commission merchants. 

Lex, Jacob 75,000 

Of a German Lutheran family ; has been engaged in the sugar refining busi- 
ness, now in the grocery business with his son in Market steeet. He was care- 
fully brought up in the old school by a good father ; is esteemed to possess good 
business capacities. He is brother to C. F. Lex, who was formerly in the Board 
of Directors of the Girard Bank. 

Lelar, Henry 50,000 

A useful, respectable, and prominent citizen, who made his money in the Ger- 
man trade. 

Lisle, John 65,000 

A/espectable retired merchant and auctioneer, a man of ready wit and pleasing 
manners : at one time prothonotary of the district court, under Governor Wolf's 
administration and appointment. 

Lippincott, Aaron S. 100,000 

Made his money in the dry goods business, and is a very respectable and cor- 
rect citizen. 

Lincoln, E. 75,000 

Livingston, Walters. 50,000 

Came from New York. Married a daughter of the late James Greenleaf. He 
has been a member of the legislature of this State, and of New York ; now en- 
gaged in trade and commerce in this city. A great admirer of good horses, and 
formerly paid some attention to the sports of the turf. 

Lindsay & Blackiston, 50,000 

Extensive publishers and booksellers. 
Linnard, James M. 75,000 

Son of the late United States Quarter Master Linnard. In the lumber busi- 
ness, and a shrewd man of business ; a Philadelphian by birth. Property chiefly 
in real estate. 
Li nek, George 50,000 

An industrious mechanic, a carpenter by trade. Made a portion of his mo- 
ney and obtained considerable by marriage. 

Lippincott, Joshua 50,000 

Fickle fortune has restored some considerable part of Mr. L.'s former riches to 
his possession ; a member of the old firms of York & Lippincott — Lippincott & 
Richards; will again take his place upon the Exchange. Mr. L. has been a di- 
rector of the Bank of the United States, and many other institutions; has a 
daughter married to Benjamin W. Richards. 

Linnard, S. B. 50,000 

Linnard, T.M. 50,000 

Livezey, John 100,000 

A retired gentleman ; having made a fortune, as did his father before him, in 
the flour and grain business. 

Longstreth, Joshua 200,000 

Made considerable money in the mercantile business ; was once connected in 



or WEALTHY MEN. 39 

trade with John Bacon ; obtained a handsome fortune by his marriage ; has an 
elegant country seat in Turner's Lane, in the neighborhood of the city, where he 
also has a splendid grapery. 

Levering, J. S. 100,000 

Made his money in the steam sugar refining business, after having reaped a 
harvest of experience, in connection with Mr. Phillips in the same manufacture 
some years ago. Mr. L. has the most successful establishment in this city, for 
the process of refining crude sugar, and deserves credit for the state of perfection 
to which he has brought the manufactured article. He owns much real estate 
and enjoys good credit. 

Longstreth, Morris 100,000 

Although Mr. L. resides upon his farm in Montgomery county, he may well be 
claimed as a Philadelphian. He came to this city a poor lad, attended well to 
business, and at maturity married a daughter of the late John Cook, of the an- 
cient house of Cook & Creison, dry goods merchants. He has been a candidate 
for a seat in congress, and is now an associate judge of the county in which he 
lives ; is a man of sterling integrity, and decidedly republican in his principles. 

Lord, G. W. 75,000 

An extensive book auctioneer, at the south eastern corner of Market and Deca- 
tur streets. Mr. L. came from the eastward. 

Longstreth & Boldin, 50,000 

Mr. L. is a brother to Morris Longstreth ; the firm are wholesale dealers in 
hardware, doing a good business in Market street. 
Lobdell, Stetson 50,000 

A retired hatter, who came from the eastward ; property chiefly in real estate. 
Lower & Barron, 50,000 

Hardware merchants, doing a respectable wholesale business in North Third st. 
Lowber, Edward 100,000 

Came from the State of Delaware, and has been very successfiil in the drug 
business, by which he acquired most of his fortune, although he obtained consid- 
erable by marriage. 

Love, William H. 60,000 

Importer of cloths, cassimeres and vestings, with a very extensive custom 
among the tailors of Philadelphia. Mr. L. is an agreeable merchant to do busi- 
ness with, and is generally esteemed. 

Loxley, Richard 50,000 

Formerly a currier, by which trade he made a fortune ; now retired. Belongs 
to the Society of Friends. 

Logan, William 50,000 

Made his money in the business of silk dyer and printer; was one of the first 
fast dyers to follow in the foot-steps of K. Pierpont. 

Lowber & Wilmer, 50,000 

Wholesale druggists and sellers of dye stuffs ; made their money within a few 
years. 

Lukens, Jonathan 50,000 

Lynch, William 100,000 

A retired shipping merchant ; a director of the Union Insurance Company. 
Lynd, Senr., James 50,000 

Made his money in the dry goods business ; is now retired. 

Magee, Taber & Co. 50,000 



40 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 

Macalester, Mrs. Ann 100,000 

Widow of the late Captain Charles Macalester, and mother of the present 
Charles Macalester. Property in real estate and good stocks. 

Masden, Benjamin (Estate) 50,000 

Martin & Smith, 50,000 

Mr. Smith is the son of Newberry Smith. The house is doing a good whole- 
sale hardware business. 

Magee, James 75,000 

Mr. Magee was a poor boy, who served a regular apprenticeship to the saddlery 
and harness business. When he became of age he was taken by the hand by 
the late James Ronaldson, his friend and patron. He established a house in New 
Orleans, in connection with Napoleon Kneass, his brother-in-law, besides the one 
he is engaged in here under the firm of Magee, Taber & Co., of whom Michael 
Magee, his brother, is also a partner. They do a large business, almost always 
having contracts with the general government for some article in their line ; is a 
director of the Western Bank ; he married a daughter of the late Christian 
Kneass, and sister to Horn R. Kneass. He has lately had one of the new line of 
omnibuses named after him, as a means of handing down to posterity his fame ! 

Macalester, Charles 100,000 

Son of the late Captain Charles Macalester ; in the brokerage business, and 
well known as an able financier. 
McAllister, John 100,000 

Son of a respectable Scotchman, who came to this country early in life, and 
amassed a handsome fortune in the whip and cane business in Chestnut street ; 
now deceased. His son, the above, married a daughter of the late William 
Young, printer, by whom he acquired considerable property in the district of 
Spring Garden, in the neighborhood of the old printing office, called " White Hall," 
now demolished, and its place no where to be seen ! 
Martin, James S. 125,000 

Made his own money as a hatter, and does a flourishing business in Market 
street ; owns valuable real estate in Delaware. 
Mann, Daniel 150,000 

One of our retired rich men, who likes to get more than six per cent, for his 
money, and does not hesitate to confess it. Is a shrewd man of business for his 
advanced years. 
Martin, James 50,000 

In the commission and domestic dry goods line. Was a director of the Bank 
United States during its troubles. Was once in business with George Thomas, 
under the firm of Thomas & Martin. Married a daughter of WiUiam Yardley, 
who was at one time largely engaged as a flour factor. 

Mayland, Jacob 125,000 

Made his money in the tobacco business ; owner and proprietor of the Mayland- 
ville Works near Gray's Ferry. 

Magrath, Michael 50,000 

Massey, Charles 75,000 

Formerly a partner in business with the late Mamuel Eyre in the shipping 
trade, under the firm of Eyre & Massey. Now retired ; property in real estate. 

Martin, Dr. Joseph 100,000 

Is retired fi-om all business, and mostly resides in the country. 

Maitland, John 50,000 

Maris, Mrs. Rachael R. 50,000 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 



41 



Mallery, Garrick 100,000 

Came from the eastward. At one time president judge of one of our State 
Courts ; also a member of the State Legislature. Has been married three times ; 
is an attorney and counsellor of good standing. 
Maslin & Pepper, 100,000 

Extensive hardware merchants, doing a profitable business upon a large capital. 
Maris, Mrs. Sarah 50,000 

Her late husband, William Maris, was at one time connected in business with 
the rich Joseph R. Evans, by which he made his money. 
Merrick & Tovvne, 50,000 

Manufacturers of steam engines of high or low pressure, for steamboats, &c. 
&c., having a large establishment in Southwark. 
Meredith, William M. 100,000 

An eminent jurist, and distinguished citizen ; son of the late William Meredith, 
formerly president of the Schuylkill Bank ; has held an office under the state and 
general government, has been a member of our state legislature, and repeatedly 
chosen a member of the city councils ; is now president of the select council. 
Mellon, Thomas 100,000 

A respectable retired gentleman, who made his money in New Orleans, and 
has settled in our city. 

Mercer, Charles 50,000 

Mellor, Thomas 100,000 

An adopted citizen — was brought up with Joseph Brown ; made his money by 
importing small wares and trimmings from England. 

Mercer, Brothers & Co. 80,000 

Merrefield, John G. 50,000 

Nephew of the late John Guest, merchant ; made his money in the dry goods 
business, and invested it in real estate ; married a Miss Williams. 
Messchert, H. 400,000 

Inherited his fortune from his father's estate. Has been twice married, and is 
comparatively a young man. 
Meigs, Dr. C. D. 60,000 

Came from the south. Married a daughter of the late William Montgomery, 
by whom he received the most of his fortune ; enjoys a good practice as a physi- 
cian ; was brother-in-law to the late John Forsyth, who was Secretary of State 
under Martin Van Buren's administration. 
Mecke, Plate & Co. ? 75,000 

A respectable German House of long standing — having a line of packets nin- 
ning behvccn this city and Hamburg. Mr. M. married a Miss Ogden, of New 
York, and greatly prides himself upon the relationship formed thereby. 

Mercer, Robert 75,000 

A native of Ireland, and a shoemaker by trade ; by tact and industry made con- 
siderable money ; at one time was a partner of John Stell, in the auction business ; 
has finally retired from all business ; in the possession of much valuable real estate. 

Melizet, John 50,000 

A retired merchant. 

Meigs, Dr. John F. 50,000 

Son of Dr. C. D. Meigs ; married a" daughter of the Hon. Charles Jared Inger- 
soll, and is getting into a good practice ; is named after John Forsj'th. 

Mitchell, James 100,000 



42<f MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 

MilHgan, Francis 50,000 

A dry good.s merchant, who made his money in company with the fortunate 
Nathaniel Burt. 

Miller, William 50 OOO 

A respectable retired jeweller, and a very gentlemanly citizen. Has sons en- 
gaged in the exchange and bank note brokerage business. 

Miller, D. L. 50,000 

Formerly of the house of Miller, Kinsey & Cooper: he came from New 

Jersey, and made his money in the wholesale and retail Dry Goods business. 

Mitchell, Dr. John K. 50,000 

Formerly physician to a Canton East Indiaman, and made some money by the 

investments of his pay. Married the daughter of the rich Alexander Henry. Dr. 

M. is a man of taste, of music and of poetry, and much esteemed for his other 

good qualities. 

Miller & Co., William S. 100,000 

Money and Exchange Brokers ; successors to the extensive House of R. T. 
Bicknell & Co., and are the sons of Mr. William Miller. 

Mitcheson, Robert 50,000 

An Englishman by birth ; property in real estate, and resides in a handsome 
mansion in the District of Spring Garden. 

Miller, Joseph 100,000 

Miller, Son & Co , George 50,000 

Engaged in the wholesale dry goods business, by which they have made money. 
Miller, Abraham 50,000 

Made his money at the potting and furnace business ; was a member of the 
State Legislature during the administration of Governor Joseph Ritner ; is an 
honest, respectable, and good citizen. 

Mitchell, Brognard & Co. 50,000 

Wholesale dealers in French, Italian and East India goods, 

Morris, Samuel B. 100,000 

A retired Merchant, formerly in business with Jacob S. Wain, under the firm 

of Wain & Morris, who made their money in the commission and shipping 

business. 

Morris, Dr. Caspar W. 50,000 

Son of the late Caspar W. Morris, brewer, an old and respectable family of 
our city. Dr. M. is an able physician and a practitioner of some eminence. 

Morris, Edward Joy 50,000 

Is a lawyer of ability; comparatively a young man, but has been honored with 
a seat in the State Legislature, Congress of the United States, &c., by his fellow 
citizens ; an ardent whig ; has travelled through Europe and Asia. 

Moss, John 300,000 

Came from London, England ; made his own money here, and between here 
and Eiu-ope. Has been an agent for the celebrated house of Rothchild, bankers, 
London. Property in real estate. At his present advanced age, is a shrewd, in- 
telUgent, and well-informed merchant, although retired from all business, except 
that of attending to the collection of his income. 

Molony, James 900,000 

A respectable adopted citizen ; made his own money ; was once a journeyman 
currier, and worked for seventy-five cents a day ; bought improving real estate 
with his first means, and by its increase in value amassed most of his fortune. 
Now retired. 



OF WEALTHY HEN. 



^ 



Morton, Dr. Samuel G. 50,000 

Morgan, Thomas A. 50,000 

Formerly in business with Chandler Price, under the firm of Price & Morgan. 
He came from New Orleans, and is considered a respectable merchant of good 
standing. 

Moss, E. L. 50,000 

Son of John Moss ; formerly in business with Michael V. Baker, under the firm 
of Baker & Moss. He married an heiress of New York, 
Mott & Co., James 50,000 

Montgomery, Joseph 50,000 

Son of the late William Montgomery; made the chief of his money in business 

with his father in the shipping trade. He married a daughter of the late Keading 

Howell ; is an exemplary citizen. 

Morrison, William 50,000 

Was brought up with the late William Dawson, brewer, and afterwards in 

business with his brother-in-law, M. L. Dawson, with whom he is still connected 

in the brewing business. 

Morgan, Buck & Co. 50,000 

Morris, Robert 50.000 

Editor of the " Pennsylvania Inquirer" and for some years an officer in the 
row under the administration of Governor Ritner. Mr. Morris was once a great 
Jackson man. He is a citizen of excellent talents and great acquirements ; is a 
fine literary writer and an experienced conductor of a daily paper. He married a 
daughter of William Miller, one of our most amiable and valuable citizens. 

Morris, William 50,000 

A silk merchant and worthy citizen ; member of the Select Council ; was once 

in the employment of Richard Ashhurst, 

Musser, William 50,000 

Made most of his money in business with the late John Singer, who was an 

active politician in the days of 1799. Mr. M. has been an extensive dealer in 

hides and leather. 

Mulford, Jr. , John 50,000 

Came from New Jersey ; is a persevering and industrious wholesale merchant. 

Musgrave, William 50,000 

Son of James Musgrave, broker ; of the firm of Wurts, Musgrave & Wurts, 
wholesale dry goods merchants in Market street. 

Murtha, William 50,000 

An Irishman by birth, a good citizen, in the dry goods trade, who by attention 
to business, frugality, and integrity, has risen to fortune and respect. 

Mutter, Dr. Thomas 50,000 

Married a neice of the late Richard Alsop, by whom he received considerable 
property ; is a highly esteemed and respectable physician. 

Myer, Isaac 50,000 

Of the late firm of Myer & Jones ; is agent for the Girard estate ; made his 

money chiefly in the business of painting and glazing, and by getting the public 
work of the city proper. 

Myers, John B. 200,000 

Son of Mrs. Myers, late dry goods dealer in South Second street, and one of the 
firm of Myers, Claghom & Co., wealthy and extensive auctioneers : made the 
greater portion of his money in the auction business. Is a man of great business 
tact, and held in high estimation. 



44 MEMOIRS AND AUrO-BIOGRAPHY 

McAllister & Co., 75,000 

Successors to the old House of John McAllister & John McAllister, Jr. Made 
their money, in part, as opticians, and in the whip and cane business. 

McAllister, John 50,000 

An adopted citizen of respectable standing ; is a director of the Bank of Com- 
merce ; made his money, in part, by the grocery business, and in part by marriage 
to a Miss Moore. Property in real estate and bank stocks. 

McAlpin, James 50,000 

A Scotchman by birth ; made his money in the tailoring business. Property 
in real estate. Came to our city very poor. 

McClelland, George W. 50,000 

An adopted citizen ; made his money in the wholesale bonnet and shoe business. 

McCall, Misses 50,000 

McCredy, Bernard 100,000 

A respectable adopted citizen, who made his money in the first instance, with 
his brother, Dennis McCredy, in the wholesale grocery business, and afterwards 
as a large cotton manufacturer. He has an extensive and complete manufactory, 
at Norristown, Montgomery county, in this State. 

McCloskey, James 50,000 

Emigrated to this country from Ireland some thirty years since, and by close 
attention to business with strict economy, he has secured to himself a fortune ; 
by trade, a carpenter ; is a member of the Board of Moyamensing Commissioners ; 
owns much real estate in that district. 

McClellan, Dr. George 50,000 

Came from the eastward ; is the son of a New England farmer ; he is rather 
eccentric, but a most able surgeon. He married a Miss Brinton. 

McCloskey, Michael 100,000 

An adopted citizen of respectable standing ; now retired from business ; made 
his own money by setting curbstones for the public. 

McCloskey, James 75,000 

Brother to the above, an Irishman by birth, and a very clever, unassuming 

citizen ; made his money in the same business, and by working for the public ; 

has lately built a handsome mansion at Green Hill, in the county of Pluladelphia. 

McCredy, Dennis (Estate) 75,000 

McEwen, Charles 50,000 

A retired gentleman ; son of the late Thomas McEwen, broker, from whose 
estate he received his money. 

McKeen, Henry 75,000 

Wholesale and retail dealer and importer of watches, movements, &c. Does a 
good business in Market street, and is much respected. 

McKee & Co., William 100,000 

McKean, H. Pratt 300,000 

Grandson of the late Governor M'Kean, and the rich Henry Pratt ; made his 
money chiefly in the Canton trade. 

McLanahan, Johnston 200,000 

Formerly connected in busuiess with John N. Lane, of Lancaster, Pa., in some 
of his western country stores. Came from the interior of the State, and became 
one of the partners of the celebrated linen and shipping house of John A. Brown 
& Co., with whom he made his fortune ; was a director of the Girard Bank, and 
is a good business man. 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 45 

McMurtrie, James 50,000 

Formerly in the mercantile business, now retired. Property in valuable real 
estate. 



Naglee, Benjamin 50,000 

Naglee, John 100,000 

Made his money in the lumber business, speaks Latin, &c.; is a citizen of re- 
spectability and influence ; and was for some time president of the Philadelphia 
and Trenton railroad company. 

Nancrede, Dr. JosejDh G. 50,000 

Of French extraction ; married a daughter of the late Commodore Truxton, by 
whom he received some property; is an eminent physician, enjoying a good 
practice. 

Nathans, Isaiah (Estate) 60,000 

Neff, John R. 75,000 

Made most of his money in the auction business ; has been a director of some 
of our city banks for the last twenty years ; married a daughter of Charles Bird, 
Esq.; was at one time a member of our city councils. 

Neilson, William S. 50,000 

Neilson, Robert 250,000 

An Irishman by birth and education ; has been one of her Majesty's privy 
counsellors in the colonies ; is colonel in the British army, and repeatedly honored 
with other posts of minor importance ; is esteemed for his many good qualities. 

Newkirk, Matthew 100,000 

This gentleman is one of the founders of the Philadelphia and Wilmington rail 
road, and was for several years president of the company. Has held numerous 
offices of responsibility to the satisfaction of the community ; was at one time con- 
sidered possessed of a very large fortune, but lost money during the trying or 
financial difficulties. Has been a liberal, philanthrophic citizen ; he married first 
a daughter of the late George Heberton, and lately a Miss Smith. 

Newlin, John S. 50,000 

Dry goods merchant, doing a good business, and much esteemed by the public 
generally. 

Newman, John B. 200,000 

Once a partner in business with the late rich James Lisle. 

Nidelet, Stephen F. 75,000 

Formerly of the old house of Chapron & Nidelet ; a Frenchman by birth ; ob- 
tained his fortune by marrying the daughter of the rich General B. Prate, of Saint 
Louis, Missouri. 

Noble, Dr. Charles 50,000 

A physician in full practice, who acquired some property from his father's 
estate. Noble street, in the county of Philadelphia, is named afler his father. 

Norris, Mrs. E. H. 200,000 

Widow of the late Joseph P. Norris — Chesnut street. Property in improving 
real estate, north of the city. 

Norris, Isaac 250,000 

A prominent member of the Philadelphia bar ; son of the late Joseph P. Norris ; 
married a Miss Pepper. 



46 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 

Norris, Isaac W. 100,000 

A most respectable citizen, who could have occupied a seat in Congress, 
years ago, if he had consented to be a candidate for election. Made his money 
in the ship chandlery business. 

Odenheimer & Tennent, 75,000 

One of the leading firms in Market street, engaged in the wholesale dry goods 
business. 

Oellers, James P. 50,000 

Lieutenant in the United States navy ; obtained his money by marriage. 

Ogden, John M. 60,000 

At one time a member of the Legislature ; a carpenter by trade. Property in 
improving real estate. A respectable citizen. 

O^le & Watson, 50,000 

Mr. Watson is the son of Charles C. Watson, tailor, and Mr. Ogle is the son 
of the late Thomas Ogle, coach maker. The firm above is the most justly cele- 
brated coach makers of our city, whose reputation for good work and materials is 
well known throughout the union. 

Ord, George 50,000 

Retired from all business many years since ; possesses a fine Hterary taste, and 
owns a splendid library. 

Orne, J. & B. 100,000 

Extensive dealers in carpets and carpetings ; occupy the large building in 
Chesnut street, opposite the State House, owned by John J. Ridgway. Have 
amassed a fortune in the regular trade in which they are engaged. 

Orum & Brother, 50,000 

Sons of Davis Orum, deceased. Property in merchandize and real estate, left 
them by their father. 
Osterheldt, Frederick (Estate) 50,000 

O'Neill, Robert 50,000 

A carpenter by trade ; at one time a member of the Legislature, and a director 
of the late Moyamensing bank. Property in real estate and bank stocks. Of 
Scotch descent, and a good citizen. Surveyor of the Peansylvania Fire Insurance 
Company. 

Parker, Samuel 50,000 

Palethorp, John H. 50,000 

A retired pewterer — property in real estate, and Western bank stocks ; was 

once state bank director of the Bank of Pennsylvania. He is now sadly afflicted 

with the gout. 

Patterson, William C. 50,000 

In business with his brother, Robert Patterson ; married a daughter of the late 

Levi Ellmaker, by whom he obtained some property. 

Palmer, Jonathan 50,000 

A merchant of some standing. 
Patterson, John 50,000 

An Irishman by birth; a director of the Bank of the Northern Liberties; a 
respectable citizen of good standing, in the wholesale grocery business. 

Patterson, Morris 50,000 

A wholesale grocer — a director of the Western Bank, and a good citizen. 
Paul, J. R. (M. D.) 50,000 



OF WEALTHY HEN. r47 

Paul, Comegys 100,000 

Formerly in the dry goods business; has a beautiful residence Spruce st, be- 
sides an elegant country seat. Is very fond of books, and possesses an extensive 
and valuable library. 

Patten, John W. , 50,000 

Palmer, Samuel 50,000 

Made his money chiefly in the drug business. Is a Philadelphian by birth ; 
was for a long time insi)ector of the Walnut street prison. Has been a member 
of our city councils, and a bank director. 

Parker, John 50,000 

Paul, Joseph 100,000 

Paul, Samuel W. 75,000 

Parker, William 50,000 

Parrish, Dr. Joseph (Estate) 60,000 

Paleske, Capt. T. W. 100,000 

A Philadelphian by birth ; made his money by following the sea, from which 
he retired. Has lately had a fortune bequeathed him in England. Is an ex- 
cellent citizen. 

Parkinson, George (Estate) 50,000 

Mr. P. made his money in the confectionary business. 

Pancoast, Joseph C. 50,000 

Property chiefly in real estate. 

Paul, James W. 50,000 

A member of the Philadelphia bar; and the owner of valuable real estate. 
Obtained his money from his father's estate. 

Patterson, Rohert 100,000 

Engaged in the wholesale grocery business. Is an Irishman by birth — but 
came to this country when very young. Has been a prominent actor in both 
civil, political, and military aflairs. Is now Major General of Peiuisylvania Mi- 
litia, First Division. Is also a director of the Philadelphia Bank. 

Patterson, Dr. Robert M. 50,000 

President United States Mint; son of the late Dr. Robert Patterson ; married a 
daughter of the late Thomas Leipcr — been in oflfice now near ten years. A for- 
tunate man, living upon the income of a fortune, and the receipts of a large sal- 
ary, liives in an elegant mansion, at the south eastern corner of Locust and 
Thirteenth streets. 

Parry & Randolph, 50,000 

Extensive lumber merchants and builders. Property in real estate. Belong 
to the society of Quakers. 

Peterson, Thomas 50,000 

A retired gentleman, residing in the district of Spring Garden, made his money 
in the early part of his life by active and persevering industry. He is the father 
of C. J. and T. B. Peterson, editors and publishers — doing a flourishing business 
in Chestnut street. C. J. is connected with George K. Graham. 

Pendleton, William S. 50,000 

Hardware merchant in Market street ; worth this sum, independent of his in- 
terest in the House, of which he is a co-partner. 

Penrose & Burton, 50,000 



48 MEMOIRS AND AVTO-BIOGRAPHY. 

Peace, Dr. Edward 50,000 

Son of the late Joseph Peace. Married a Miss Willing, daughter of Eichard 
Willing. 

Peace, Washington 50,000 

Brother to the above. 

Perkins, Samuel IT. 50,000 

Came from the eastward, and made his own money by the practice of the law 
in this city. 

Pepper, George (Estate) 3,000,000 

Mr. Pepper made a fortune in the brewing business, and he also married a 
lady of fortune, but he has left a much larger estate than was generally expected , 
to be divided among his family, into ten shares. He was very fortunate many 
years ago, in taking, for a doubtful debt owing him by Messrs. Joshua M. and John 
B. Wallace, an extensive landed property, now included in the district of Spring 
Garden, which of itself would have left an independent fortune to each of his 
children. One of his sons lately married a Miss Lamb, daughter of Lemuel 
Lamb, and immediately set out with his lady to make the tour of Europe. 

Peirce, E. J. 75,000 

Once a captain of a vessel, came to Philadelphia from the eastward, and began 
the umbrella business as an experiment, by which he afterwards made a fortune. 

Perot, Charles 50,000 

Pearsall, Robert 50,000 

Perot, Francis 50,000 

Perot, Joseph 50,000 

Perot, William 50,000 

Percival, Thomas C. 50,000 

Peterman, John 50,000 

Peace, Joseph (Estate) 100,000 

Peters, Jacob 100,000 

Made his money as mail and stage contractor ; a famous judge of horses. 
Now part owner of Kite's well known line of omnibuses, that travel through our 
city by night and day. 
Penrose, Charles B. 75,000 

One of the oldest and most respectable residents of Southwark ; owns consider- 
able real estate, and some bank stocks. 
Perkins, Henry 50,000 

Came from New England, engaged in the book trade. An excellent citizen. 
Peries, Adolphus 50,000 

A connection of the late Charles Kulm — a director of the Phcenix Insurance 
Company, and a highly respectable citizen, in the West India business. 

Preslon, Dr. Jones (Estate,) 200,000 

Property in Schuylkill Navigation and other stocks, chiefly ; part in good real 
estate. The benevolent legator in favor of the " Preston Retreat." 

Pratt, Henry (Estate) 1,000,000 

Mr. Pratt was for a long time a distinguished shipping Merchant of Philadel- 
phia. Had been a Director of the several Banks of the United States, chartered 
by Congress, also, of the Commercial State Bank. Was at one time owner and 
occupier, during the summer months, of the beautiful country seat, above Fair- 
mount, called "Lemon Hill." Property chiefly in good and improving real estate, 
which he left, as every man should, to his relations. 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 49 

Pechln, John 50,000 

For a long time collector of taxes, and vestryman of St. Paul's church. 
Pen nock, Sarah 50,000 

Phillips, William (Estate,) 100,000 

Inherited as well as married a fortune. Was for a long time a director of the 
Philadelphia Bank. 

Phipps, Stephen 50,000 

Son of the late Thomas Phipps, and is a shrewd merchant in the hardware 
business. His first wife was a Miss Grofl". 

Physic, Dr. P. S. (Estate) 600,000 

Dr. P. was for many years not only the most eminent physician of Philadel- 
phia, but, perhaps, of the United States. His fame, as a man of great medical 
science and surgical skill, will descend to posterity. 

Physic, Emlen 100,000 

Son of the late Dr. Physic. A young gentleman retired from business ; mar- 
ried a daughter of the late Major William Jackson, an officer of the customs un- 
der John Adams' administration. 

Pickel, Casper 50,000 

An adopted citizen, who made his money in the Lamp and Lamp Glass busi- 
ness, both as a manufacturer and importer. Property in good real estate, and 
bonds and mortgages. Has a daughter uimiarried. 

Pierpont, Robert 50'000 

An adopted citizen. An English silk dyer, and the first who succeeded in fast 
dyeing in Philadelphia. Property chiefly in real estate. 

Piatt, William 150,000 

Piatt, George 150,000 

Pleasonton, A. J. 100,000 

Attorney at Law, and a gentleman of considerable military tactics — was on 
duty during the " Southwark Riots," and received a severe wound from a can- 
non shot. He recently had a handsome bequest. 

Pond, Joseph 50,000 

Powell, John Hare 300,000 

Nephew of the late Mrs. Elizabeth Powell, from whom he received a fortune, 
and §150,000 for changing his name, by act of assembly; has visited Europe ; 
been a state senator, and is much respected. He married a lady of New York 
now deceased. 

Poulson, Z. (Estate) 50,000 

He was the ancient librarian of the Philadelphia Library, and for near forty years 
the editor, proprietor and publisher of the old " American Daily Jdvertiser,'" 
printed for a long series of years at No. 106 Chestnut street. Mr. P. was the 
father of John and Charles A. Poulson, who now survive him. 

Potts & Co., William B. 50,000 

Powers, Thomas H. 50,000 

Once a poor boy — now a manufacturing chemist of great skill and art, in part- 
nership with John Farr. 

Pritchett, John 50,000 

A retired merchant, possessed of improving real estate in the city proper. 
Price, Calendar 50,000 

Of the firm of Price, Newlin & Co., extensive hardware and cutlery mer- 
chants. 



50 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHY. 

Preston, Mrs. Jane 50,000 

A lady of liberal and enlightened views — widow of the late Dr. Jonas Preston, 
who endowed a retreat for widows, called " Preston Retreat," situated in Hamil- 
ton street near Schuylkill Third, a beautifial marble building. Mrs, P. has also 
made liberal donations towards furnishing and finishing the same. 

Pritchell, T. B. 150,000 

Lives retired. Property in improving real estate. 

Price, Joseph (Estate) 50,000 

Formerly inspector of the prison, and director of the Mechanics' Bank ; made 
his money in the hatting and fur business, and afterwards invested it in real es- 
tate. 

Price, Richard 50,000 

Son of Joseph Price, late hatter and furrier, and of the respectable house of 
Siter, Price & Co. Married a daughter of Joshua Longstreth, and was a direc- 
tor of the Bank United States. 

Price, Chandler (Estate) 100,000 

Price, Newlin & Co., 150,000 

Purvis, Robert. 50,000 

A colored man, son-in-law of the late James Forten, originally from the south, 
retired upon his fortune, and a clever man. 

Quervelle, Anthony G. 75,000 

Is a native of France ; an extensive manufacturer of cabinet ware ; and has 
made his money by steady industry and strict economy. Is part owner of the 
Philadelphia arcade, and possesses considerable other real estate. 

Quinn, Burnett 50,000 

An Irishman by birth ; now engaged in the grocery business ; was in the em- 
ploy of the late Captain Isaac Hozey, of Southwark, during which time the 
foundation of his fortune was made. Is a respectable citizen and a good neigh- 
bor. 

Ralston, Robert (Estate) 800,000 

Ralston & Co., A. & G. 100,000 

Sons of the late Robert Ralston, importers and domestic commission merchants. 
One of the firm married a lady of England, the other a Miss Boot, daughter of 
Kirk Boot, Esq., merchant, of Boston. 

Ralston, Henry 100,000 

Son of the late Robert Ralston : retired from all business ; received his patri- 
mony from his father's estate entire. Married a Miss Willing, by whom he ac- 
quired considerable property. Resides in Boston now, and is an amiable, kind- 
hearted gentleman. 

Ramage, Adam 50,000 

Known throughout the United States as the inventor of the wooden printing 
press, called the " Ramage Press," which for many years was the only one in 
operation ; is an ingenious mechanic, a generous and worthy citizen ; by years of 
industry has amassed a fortune. 

Randall, Josiah 50,000 

Son of the late Matthew Randall ; married a daughter of the late Joseph Wor- 
rell. Attorney at law of respectable standing, and has been a member of our 
state Legislature. 

Ranken, David 50,000 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 51 

Randolph, Richard 100,000 

Made his money in company with the late Richard Milne, a very rich English- 
man, (who came to this country very poor,) in the importing of British dry goods, 
and as agents for houses in England. 

Randolph, George F. 50,000 

Made his money in the dry goods business ; is the son of the hero Randolph, 
although a quaker, who fought so nobly with General Wayne, Colonel North 
and others, at the battle with the British in the revolutionary war, — or rather the 
massacre of the Paoli ! 

Randolph & Parry, 50,000 

Extensive lumber merchants and contractors, engaged heavily in the building 
business. Both belong to the society of friends. 

Randolph, M. D., Jacob 100,000 

A distinguished physician ; obtained a fortune by marriage into the family of 
the late Dr. Physick. Has travelled abroad. Is a respectable citizen. 

Ravvle, William 50,000 

A director of the bank United States ; attorney at law. Married a daughter 
of the late William Tilghman, and son of the late William Rawle, an eminent 
member of the Philadelphia bar. 

Rea, John 150,000 

An adopted citizen ; for a number of years the proprietor of a carpet warehouse. 
Owns a large amount of valuable real estate, among which is the United States 
hotel, and Head's mansion house. 

Read, Captain Alexander 50,000 

Formerly in partnership with Mr. Gray ; made his money in the china and 
crockery business ; is a very respectable and amiable citizen. 

Read, George 50,000 

A commodore in the United States navy. Born in Ireland, and emigrated here 
when young ; was reared and educated in South Carolina. Has been in the com- 
mand of several important posts, among others the Philadelphia naval station, 
from which he was removed to make room for Commodore Elliott. Married a 
daughter of the late Commodore Dale, who was Paul Jones' first lieutenant. 

Reath, Thomas 50,000 

A very respectable citizen, who made his money in the retail grocery business; 
now retired. Property in real estate. 

Reed, Osmon 75,000 

Reed, Michael 50,000 

Reese, Jacob 100,000 

Reese & Heylin, 75,000 

Wholesale foreign and domestic dry goods merchants, in Market street. 

Reese, Brothers & Co., 100,000 

An extensive importing firm of British goods. 

Reeves & Co., A. R. 50,000 

Reeves, Benjamin 50,000 

Reeves, Biddle 75,000 

Came from New Jersey. Property chiefly in real estate. Belongs to the 
society of friends. 

Reeves & Whi taker, 50,000 

Reeves, David 50,000 



52 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 

Rehn, C. 50,000 

Made his own money, chiefly in the vinegar business. Property in real estate, 
which he bought when at a low price, in the district of Spring Garden. 

Reld & Co., John 50,000 

Importers of foreign goods. 

Remington, W. & R. P. 75,000 

Remington, Job B. 50,000 

Reynolds, McFarland & Co., 100,000 

Heavy dealers in dry goods, and an excellent business house. 
Riehle, William, Sr., 50,000 

A prosperous tanner. Property in real estate, now retired. 
Richardson, John 50,000 

President of the bank of North America. A shrewd intelligent citizen from 
New England, who attends to the affairs of the bank with untiring zeal and in- 
dustry. 

Richardson, William 100,000 

Made his own money in the umbrella business ; is a director or the Mechanics' 
bank ; owns real estate and bank stocks. 

Richards. Thomas 50,000 

A wholesale and retail grocer — brother of Benjamin W. Richards, and a clever 
man. 

Ricketts, P. 75,000 

A retired merchant, residing in Chesnut street. 

Riddell, Crawford 50,000 

By trade a cabinet maker ; formerly agent for the journeymen cabinet makers ; 
now engaged on his own account, and established at the beautiful and extensive 
warehouse, Chesnut street near Fifth, where he displays some of the handsomest 
furniture made in this country. 

Riddle, John S. 50,000 

Came from Pittsburg, Pa.; was a director of the Girard bank ; formerly of the 
house of Jackson & Riddle; married a daughter of the late John B. Wallace, 
niece of the honorable Horace Binney. Mr. R. is a shrewd man of business. 

Ridgvvay, Jacob (Estate) 3,500,000 

(See appendix.) 

Ridgvvay, Thomas 50,000 

Nephew of the late Jacob Ridgway ; a manager of the Girard Life Insurance 
Annuity and Trust Company of Philadelphia. Flour merchant, &c. 

Ridgway, John J. 1,000,000 

Son of the late Jacob Ridgway, and now worth a million. Owns a large 

amount of real estate, and a good citizen. Married a daughter of Richard Willing. 

Riggs, Romulus 150,000 

A great business man — a dry goods jobber, from George-Town, D. C. 

Ripka, Joseph 250,000 

An extensive merchant and manufacturer, having large establishments at Man- 

ayunk, in the county of Philadelphia. Came to this country very poor, and after 

years of industry amassed his wealth. 

Ripperger, C. 50,000 

Riter, George W. (Estate) 50,000 

Ritter, J, L. 50,000 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 59 

Roach, Isaac 75,000 

Treasurer of tlic United States mint — appointed by President Tyler ; married 
a Miss Huddell, by whom he acquired a fortune ; has been whig mayor of the 
city, and select councilman. 

Robb, Charles 50,000 

Roberts & Co., A. S. & E. 250,000 

Wholesale druggists and chemists of long standing ; brought up with the late 
William Lehman ; men of business habits and great shrewdness. 

Roberts, George, Chesnut street, 100,000 

Roberts, Joseph 100,000 

Was brought up to the printing business ; was first teller to the first bank of 
the United States for many years, and afterwards cashier to Stephen Girard, de- 
ceased ; one of his trustees by will to wind up the aflairs of his bank ; also, agent 
for the trustees of the first bank United States. Inherited as well as made money. 
Roberts, Charles (Estate) 50,000 

Mr. R. was at one time a member of the Legislature ft-om the city proper ; was 
a great abolitionist, and belonged to the society of Friends. 

Robertson, Archibald 50,000 

Robinett, McCalla & Herse, 50,000 

Robinett, Allen 50,000 

Robins, Thomas 50,000 

Rockhill, Smith & Co., 50,000 

Rockhill, Thom.Ts C. 100,000 

Brought up with Silas E. Weir, his connexion, in the auction business ; after- 
wards in the wholesale dry goods business with Henry Toland ; now of the firm 
of Rockhill & Morris, commission merchants. Married a Miss Claypoole, and is 
related by marriage to William D. Lewis, at one time cashier of the Girard 
bank. 

Rogers, Evans 1,000,000 

Made his money in the hardware business with his brothers ; now retired. 
Property in real estate, stocks, bonds, and mortgages. Is a much esteemed and 
honorable citizen. 

Rogers, William E. (Estate) 250,000 

Mr. R. was a partner in business with Evans Rogers, and his other brothers in 
the hardware line. 

Rogers, Brothers & Co. 250,000 

The old firm in which Evans Rogers was once concerned, in the hardware and 
cutlery business, on an extensive scale in Market street. 

Ronaltlson, Richard 200 000 

A native of Scotland, and brother of James Ronaldson, deceased, the founder of 
the beautiful cemctry in Moyamensing. Came to this country poor, and by in- 
dustry at their business — type founders — eventually made large fortunes. Richard 
is a good citizen, and benevolent man. 

Roland, John 50,000 

Ronaldson, James (Estate) 200,000 

Roney,John 100,000 

Brother of Thomas, now retired from all business. Property in real estate. 
Roney, Thomas 50,000 

A respectable citizen, still engaged in the currying business. 



54 MEMOIRS AND AXITO-BIOGRAPHT 

Roper, Dr. L. 75,000 

Made his money in the surgeon dentist business ; was once a house carpenter, 
and deserves great credit for his worthy ambition and success in Ufe. He is an 
excellent citizen. 

Rorer, John 50,000 

Made his money as a cutler, by constant industry, and invested it in real estate. 

Rosengarten, G. D. 150,000 

Emigrated to this country from Germany, when about eighteen years of age, a 

poor boy ; but by toil, industry, and honesty, has risen to be a citizen of wealth 

and influence. Is a director of the Mechanics' bank. 

Rostain, Fournier (Estate) 300,000 

Mr. R. was a retired and somewhat eccentric old French gentleman, who died 
lately near ninety-four years of age. He resided at the north western corner of 
Fifth and Pine streets, and was well known and respected by his countrymen. 
He left most of his property to his relatives in France. 

Roussel, Eugene 50,000 

Of Hebrew descent ; a famous perfumer and fancy soap manufacturer and im- 
porter. Celebrated for selling genuine cologne water, mineral water, bear's oil, 
&c. , &c. Has been most successful in pleasing the taste and fancy of the fash- 
ionable part of our community. 

Rowland, James 50,000 

Rugan, Captain Charles 50,000 

One of the trustees of the Girard bank ; in the West India shipping business, 
and a respectable citizen. 

Rundle, George 50,000 

A Philadclphian, of English descent ; a stock broker. Mr. R. possesses good 
information, but rather belongs to the days gone by ; he does not sufficiently com- 
prehend the new system of financiering without money. He inherited some 
years ago, by the death of his uncle, Richard Rundle, considerable property. Mr. 
R. is an exceedingly particular man in all his accounts ; the dividend book of the 
permanent bridge company, of which he was treasurer, is a pattern of regularity 
and neatness. 

Rutherford, Senr., John 50,000 

A drover, by which business he made his money ; now retired. 

Rush, Richard 50,000 

Second son of the late venerable Dr. Benjamin Rush, one of the signers of the 
Declaration of Independence ; is a statesman of great ability, — has been a minis- 
ter to the court of St. James, secretary of the United States Treasury, and filled 
many other trusts, — important and honorable ; was an agent of the United States 
in England, relative to the Smithsonian bequest ; has a beautiful country seat in 
the neighborhood of the Girard College, called after the great and celebrated 
" Sydenham." Born in August, 1780. 

Rush, Dr. James 1,000,000 

A distinguished physician and a popular man, now worth a million. Obtained 
the greater portion of his fortune by marriage, his wife being the daughter of the 
late rich Jacob Ridgway. 

Rush & Muhlenherg. 75,000 

Steam engine builders of considerable notoriety ; now retired. Had an estab- 
lishment in Hamilton street, between Fairview and Schuylkill Seventh street, 
Spring Garden. 

Rushton, John Y. 75,000 

A wholesale dealer in china and crockery ware. 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 93' 

Ryan Lewis 50,000 

An Irishman by birth ; made his money in the boot and shoe making business. 
A director of the Western l)anl<, and now retired upon liis fortune. 

Savage, John 200,000 

Son of the late John Savage, of the old house of Savage & Dugan, shipping 
merchants. Mr. S. Uves retired, his father having left him wrealthy. He resides 
in the mansion formerly occupied by his late father, at the north western corner 
of Eleventh and Spruce streets. 

Sayen, George (Estate) 100,000 

Scott, John M. 50,000 

An exemplary and benevolent citizen, a sound lawyer, and for several years 
the chief magistrate of the city. Was a member of the Reform Convention — 
has been in the state Legislature, &c. Married a Miss Emlen, by whom he ac- 
quired some property. Is a director of the Marine Insurance Co. 

Scott, Freeman 50,000 

Came from Connecticut, was once a publisher and grocer — afterwards an al- 
derman appointed by the late Governor Wolf, now retired upon his fortune. Pro- 
perty in real estate. 

Scattergood & Whitall, 50,000 

Wholesale druggists, and dealers in glass ware, doing a profitable business in 
North Third street. 

Scherr, E. N. 50,000 

An adopted citizen ; came from Germany, and a celebrated piano forte manu- 
facturer. 

Scull, Gideon 75,000 

Merchant, and one of the most active directors of the Bank of Pennsylvania. 
Came from New Jersey, and now of the firm of Scull & Thompson, wholesale 
grocers. 

Schober, Frederick 50,000 

Scull & Thompson, 75,000 

Schleisinger & Henschen, 50,000 

Wholesale dealers and importers of foreign goods. They are adopted citizens. 

Scravendyke, James 50,000 

Made his money principally in the soap boiling and candle business, and in- 
vested in real estate. 

Schafler, Charles 50,000 

Nephew of the late William Lehman, frem whose estate he obtained a hand- 
some legacy. Is a trustee of the " Fire Association," — was a partner of the late 
Thomas Cave, in the wholesale drug business. 

Seckel, Frederick 50,000 

Brewer, son of one of our oldest and most respectable citizens, long since dead. 

See, Brother & Co., 75,000 

Seal, Joseph H. 50,000 

Seeger, C. F. 50,000 

Senneff, George 60,000 

Made his money as a carpenter — now lives retired. 

Sergeant, John 50,000 

A distinguished lawyer, prominent statesman, and a leading member of the 



56 MEMOIRS AND AXJTO-BIOQRAPHY 

whig party. He has frequently been honored by his fellow citizens with import- 
ant public trusts ; been a representative in the state and national councils ; a for- 
eign minister ; a candidate for the office of Vice President in 1832, receiving forty- 
nine electoral votes ; and President of the Reform Convention to revise the Con- 
stitution of Pennsylvania. Mr. S. has been one of the shining lights of the coun- 
try, and is the ardent friend of Henry Clay. The Honorable Henry A. Wise is 
a son-in-law. 
Sellers & Davis, 50,000 

Sergeant, Mary 100,000 

Gentlewoman — Chestnut street near Thirteenth street, occupying the elegant 
mansion built by the late William Schlatter, in his palmy days, when fortune 
smiled, and friends surrounded him. 

Seybert, William 50,000 

Son of the late Dr. Adam Seybert, once a member of Congress from the coun- 
ty of Philadelphia. Property in improving real estate. 

Sheppard, Catharine (Estate) 50,000 

Shuster, Peter 50,000 

Victualler, of Spring Garden. Property in good real estate. 

Sheaff, John D. 200,000 

Inherited his money — of German descent ; was worth a larger sum of money, 

but lost by bank and state stocks. Property now in good real estate, and bonds 

and mortgages. 

Sharpless, Townsend 75,000 

Son of the late Jesse Sharpless. Made considerable money in the dry goods 

business, acquired some by marriage, and is now possessed of a fortune. Is the 

owner of some valuable real estate. 

Sharpless, Joseph J. 75,000 

Brother of Townsend. Formerly in the dry goods and Canton matting trade ; 

now retired, with his money invested in good real estate. 

Sheaff, George 300,000 

Formerly in the wine and liquor business, now a gentleman farmer of large 
fortune ; owner of much valuable real estate. 

Sharp, Joseph 50,000 

Brother of John Sharp ; in the dry goods business, came from England, a wor- 
thy good citizen of the Quaker persuasion. 

Shivers, Thomas ' 50,000 

Short, William 200,000 

A retired old fashioned gentleman, at one time in the diplomatic corps of the 
nation. 

Shields, Thomas (Estate) 100,000 

Shaw, Charles 50,000 

Made his money as a collector of debts and rents, and as an agent for owners 
of real estate. Is indeed a self-made man, and now occupies the house in which 
the late Nicholis Biddle resided, and which he owns. 

Sharpless, M. D., John T. 50,000 

Son of Jesse, and brother of Townsend and Joseph J. Sharpless. Has visited 
Europe, and now enjoys a good medical practice. 

Shinnick, Lewis 50,000 

Made his money in the brick making business; is a shrewd industrious citizen, 
residing in Coates street. 



OP WEALTHY MEN. 57 

Sharp, John 200,000 

Formerly in business with Edward Wilson, in importing goods from England. 
Is an intelligent, shrewd, and well-informed merchant, and. has been very fortu- 
nate in ni;iking good investments in real estate. Is an Englishman by birth. 

Sharp, Joseph L. 50,000 

Sheridan, Owen 50,000 

Rose from a very humble station in life to be an owner and keeper of a livery 
stable, made some money, and acquired the largest portion of his estate by mar- 
riage. Owns a highly cultivated farm at Chestnut Hill ; is a member of our city 
councils, and a director of the Schuylkill Bank. 

Shepperd, Richard T. 50,000 

The proprietor of the most extensive tailoring, and ready made clothing estab- 
lishment in the city. By close attention to business has made his own money. 

Shields, Robert, (Estate) 300,000 

A retired old gentleman, the owner of much valuable real estate, lately deceased. 

Sharp, Lindsay & Haines, 75,000 

Extensive importing merchants, doing a good business in South Second street. 

Shewell, Thomas 50,000 

Came from Bucks county ; was in the wholesale dry goods business in North 
Second street, and afterwards in Market street, now retired upon his fortune, and 
enjoying the reputation of an honest man and good citizen. He came to the city 
a poor boy. 

Sibbald, Charles, F. 1,500,000 

Merchant, and late contractor with the United States for cutting live oak tim- 
ber. A most unfortunate man for a long time, but now, by an act of Congress, 
a most lucky and rich man, and says he " would not exchange situations with 
any man in Pennsylvania." Vice President Dallas has for a series of years acted 
as his lawyer. Mr. Sibbald is now paid for his losses, and compensated for his 
supposed profits. After this, we hope Congress will pay all other just claims, 
and especially those for French spoilations, about which, hear Chief Justice 
Marshall. Hon. B. Watkins Leigh testifies positively that this great jurist did, 
in a conversation with him, and some two or three others, while a bill was before 
the Senate, for the payment of the claims for French Spoliations, prior to 1800, 
express an opinion, distinctly and positively, that the United States ought to make 
provision for the payment of those claims ; and the opinion made the more im- 
pression on Mr. Leigh, since it was contrary to an idea which he had taken up 
on the subject, and it determined him to examine it with greater care and delibera- 
tion, than he had before given to it. 

Siter, John 100,000 

Came from Chester county, was brought up with the old house of Cooke & 
Cresson, and now one of the firm of Siter, Price & Co. He married a Miss 
Miller, of this city. 

Simmons^ Stephen, (Estate) 100,000 

Simmons, Samuel R. 50,000 

Made his money in company with his late father, Stephen Simmons, in the 
lumber business. 

Singer, John 50,000 

Son of the late John Singer, Sr., from whom he obtained most of his money. 
Has visited Europe for his health ; is now retired. 

Sill, Joseph 50,000 

An Englishman by birth. Made his money principally in the fancy dry goods 
business in Chestnut street. 



58 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHV 

Siter, Price & Co. 200,000 

This is one of the oldest and most wealthy firms in Market street, and does a 
heavy business, and are the successors to the ancient and respectable house of 
Cook & Crcsson. These men are among our best citizens. 

Sleeper & Brother, 50,000 

Extensive umbrella, parasol, and shade manufacturers ; industrious men and good 
citizens. 

Sloan, Henry 50,000 

Smith & Seckel, 50,000 

Brewers. Successors to the late rich George Pepper, in the brewing business, 
occupying the old premises in South Fifth st., in which Mr. Pepper made his 
millions ! 

Smith, William H. 150,000 

Mr. S. was formerly in the business of Sugar Refining, in company with his 
late father, J. George Smith, and afterwards with his brothers. He is a strict 
man of business — a republican in principle, and is a gentleman of undoubted and 
unimpeached integrity. He has always been a uniform and consistent disciple of 
the Jefferson school, and has supported with zeal and activity every democratic 
administration, since he became entitled to the right of suffrage. He married the 
daughter of an upright and respected resident of the city proper ; he has held 
many honorable stations, and often refused from his fellow citizens, offices of both 
honor and profit ; he is esteemed for his benevolent and kind disposition, and en- 
joys the reputation of a most unblemished character. 

Smith, Joseph Few 75,000 

An extensive flour merchant, by which business his money has been made. 
Smith, Isaac R. 50,000 

A shrewd business man of great industry, of the firm of Smith, Bageley & Co. 
Smith, Edward 100,000 

Owner of large real estate in Camden, N. J. 
Smith, Huston 50,000 

Brother of William H. Smith, and formerly in the sugar refining business, now 
retired. 

Smith, Mrs. 50,000 

Widow of the late J. George Smith, sugar refiner. 
Smith, Jacob R. 100,000 

Smith, John B. 50,000 

Is celebrated for the rearing of fine plants, &c., a business to which he has long 
been devoted. Owns valuable real estate, and married a fortune. 

Smith, Charles W. (Arch st.) 100,000 

Smith, Samuel F. 225,000 

One of the old house of Lehman & Smith, druggists, and of the firm of Lisle, 
Weir & Co., auctioneers, now President of the Philadelphia Bank. Has made 
his money in a quiet, easy manner. Owns a large amount of valuable real es- 
tate in this city, with much land in Illinois. Married a Miss Mark of Virginia. 
Now retired from all business, except that of banking. 
Smith, Stephen 100,000 

A colored person — a lumber merchant, and good citizen. Has an extensive 
board and lumber yard at Columbia, Lancaster county, in this state. Colored 
persons have been particularly favored in Philadelphia, several having risen to 
fortune and respectable standing by their industry and good behavior. Mr. S. is 
a humane, religious, and upright man, respected by his neighbors, and as a busi- 
ness man, by all who have dealings with him. 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 59 

Smith, Newberry 50,000 

Retired from all business for many years. Formerly engaged in shipments to 
Canton and Calcutta, and when investments from those places paid handsome 
profits. 

Snyder & Co., C. 50,000 

Grocers, doing a good business in North Third street. A respectable House 
of long standing. 

Snyder, Joseph 100,000 

Made his money in the chair manufacturing business after a series of years of 
close application and hard industry. Is a worthy citizen and an honest man. 
Property in valuable real estate. 

Sparks, Jr., T. & T. 50,000 

Spooner, William 50,000 

Spencer, James S. 1 50,000 

Came to this city very poor, made his own money, in the first instance, in the 
wholesale Dry Goods business, afterwards by the fortunate purchase and sale of 
improving real estate. Married a Miss Hutchins, by whom he acquired some 
property. 

Sparks, Thomas 75,000 

President of the Southwark Bank, and for a long time one of its directors. 
Formerly engaged in the manufacture of lead shot. 

Spohn, Mrs. William 80,000 

Stokes, Charles 50,000 

A native of our city — has made the tour of Europe on foot — formerly in the 
dry goods business, now retired. He is the father of the talented lawyer, Wil- 
liam A. Stokes, Esq. Property in real estate. A director of the State Bank at 
Camden, N. J. 

Stoever, Frederick 50,000 

Was born in Lebanon county in this state, came to the city in 1820 with very 
little capital ; has resided here ever since. Is a firm consistent and genuine re- 
publican ; was an active politician in the days of Jefferson. He made his fortune 
chiefly in the liquor business ; he also made considerable money by the fortunate 
purchase of real estate at the Falls of Schuylkill, where he is about estabUshing a 
vineyard. Is a good citizen, and a popular man of German descent. 

Steinmetz, Jacob 700,000 

Of German descent — property in improving real estate, chiefly in the district of 
Spring Garden ; resides in the old family mansion on Coates street — once a 
country seat, standing alone, and considered quite out of town. 

Stone, Dexter 100,000 

Of the firm of Grant & Stone — came from the eastward. Is a shrewd, know- 
ing merchant, who came here without means, and acquired a fortune. 

Starr & Morton, 100,000 

Stiles, Benjamin 100,000 

A Philadclphian — owns the beautiful mansion in Broad street near Green 
Hill. 

Stott, Mrs. 100,000 

Widow. Her husband was a Scotchman, who made money in the trade of 
tobacco and snuff. Lived for some time in Scotland, then came back again, quite 
prejudiced in favor of foreign airs and tastes, and lamentable enough, lost a large 
amount of money in bank stocks, «Scc. 

Steen, Robert 50,000 



Wl MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 

Stewart, John 50,000 

Merchant of Spruce street ; made his money in the West India trade. Mar- 
ried a Miss Palmer. 

Stewardson, Anna 50,000 

Widow of the late Thomas Stewardson. 
Stille, Dr. Alfred 100,000 

Son of the late rich John Stille, brother of the present Benjamin Stille ; ob- 
tained his property from his father's estate. 

Stuart & Brothers, 60,000 

Importers of English, Irish, and Scotch goods. Enterprising and accommodat- 
ing merchants. Adopted citizens. 

Stewardson, Thomas, (Estate) 75,000 

Stone, Slado & Farnham, 100,000 

Stiles, Henry 100,000 

Stewart, Robert R. 50,000 

Stoeker, Sr., John Clement, (Estate) 100,000 

Struthers, John 50,000 

By birth a Scotchman — great marble mason and manufacturer ; director of the 
bank of United States — one of the most active politicians among our adopted citi- 
zens. 

Starr, Isaac 50,000 

Stille, Benjamin 50,000 

One of our oldest and most respectable merchants. Brother and partner of the 
late rich John Stille. For a long time one of the directors of the Philadelphia 
Bank. 

Steiner, J. & J. P. 75,000 

Both members of this firm came to the United States from Germany, poor and 
unprotected ; are now extensive variety and fancy dealers, doing a good business 
in North Second street. 

Stockton, Robert F. 250,000 

A native of Princeton, New Jersey, and descendent of one of the signers of the 
Declaration of Independence. A captain of the navy, and projector of the steam 
frigate Princeton, of which vessel he is now in command. Has held numerous 
civil offices in New Jersey, and was at one time a candidate for the United States 
Senate. Increased his fortune by marriage. Is a man of varied political charac- 
ter. Has a residence in the western part of the city. 

Stuart, Thomas 150,000 

A retired Irish gentleman — was formerly agent for several extensive houses. 
Sulger, Jacob 100,000 

Sutter, Charles J. 50,000 

A respectable citizen, who derived his money from his father's estate. 
Swaim, William, (Estate) 500,000 

The celebrated vender of the Panacea; once a book binder, by which means 
he became acquainted with the secret of making this once esteemed valuable 
patent medicine. Had a daughter married to Oliver Hopkinson, Esq., son of the 
late Honorable Joseph Hopkinson, once a member of Congress, and afterwards 
judge of the United States District Court, for this district. 

Swain, Abell & Simmons, 60,000 

The enterprising publishers of the " Public Ledger," men of great industry 



OP WEALTHY MEN. 61 

and perseverance. Property chiefly in real estate. They estabHshed the first 
penny paper in this city, at a considerable pecuniary sacrifice in the first instance, 
and introduced, upon a cheap plan, these vehicles of information and advertising, 
so desirable to all classes of society. They overcame great obstacles, and made a 
fortune, and have constantly employed several daily reporters, so that no item of 
news, foreign or domestic, can well escape appearing in the columns of their 
daily sheet. They erected the large pile of buildings at the south western 
corner of Chestnut and Third streets, so well known as the " Ledger Buildings." 

Svvope, George 50,000 

By close attention and great industry, as a painter and glazier, this gentleman 
made his money — now retired. 

Sykes, Robert 75,000 

Mr. S. inherited about fifty five thousand dollars, and acquired the balance by 
his wife, who was a Mrs, Frenaye, and once the beautiful Miss Fontanges, a lady 
of accomplishments, of French extraction. 
Symington, Alexander 100,000 

Was brought up to business with Charles Bird, and afterwards made his money 
as a partner with him, now retired. 

Tagert, Joseph 50,000 

President of the Farmers' and Mechanics' bank. An adopted citizen. Proper- 
ty in real estate ; owns a handsome place at Germantown, and a good residence 
in the city. Is a much esteemed citizen. 
Tarns, Sampson 100,000 

An Englishman by birth ; came to this country very poor, and by enterprise 
and industry in the china and crockery business amassed this large fortune. 

Tarns, William 50,000 

An Englishman by birth, and brother of Sampson Tams, made his money also 
in the china and crockery trade, and acquired some by marriage to a Miss Yohe. 

Taylor, Amos, (Estate) 150,000 

Taylor, E. W. & L. B. 100,000 

Sons of the late Lewis Taylor ; in the business of boot and shoe dealers, trunk 

and travelling bag manufacturers, at the old stand of their late father, south east 

corner of Market and Fifth streets. 

Taylor, Robert 50,000 

An Irishman by birth — formerly in business with a Mr. Gray, under the firm 

of Gray & Taylor. Is now engaged largely in the emigrant business. Made a 

portion of his money in the liquor business. Obtained considerable money by 

marriage, having mairied the daughter of the late Thomas Leiper. 

Taylor, Richard M. 50,000 

Brewer, son of the late Bankson Taylor. 
Taylor, John 50,000 

Taylor, James, (Estate) 75,000 

Mr. Taylor was an Englishman by birth, and for many years a resident British 

agent of this city. He married a widow lady by the name of Mrs. Thomas. 

Taylor, Levi 150,000 

Made his money in the wholesale grocery business. A business man of good 

capacity. 

Taylor, Charles 75,000 

Tete, Francis 100,000 

A Frenchman by birth. Made considerable money in Mexico, having resided 



&i MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 

at Vera Cruz, was intimate wtth Santa Anna, and is said to be a warm ftiend of the 
once fallen chief magistrate. Is now largely engaged in the South America trade. 
An excellent citizen, kind and humane. Is a director of the Farmers' and Me- 
chanics' bank, and Union Insurance Company. 

Tevis, Joshua 50,000 

Tevis, Benjamin, (Estate) 150,000 

Mr. T. made a portion of his money in speculation, but the greater part in the 
auction and commission business ; was a heavy dealer in stocks — was a director 
of the Southwark bank. Married a Miss Hunter. Came from Kentucky. 

Thomas, George 125,000 
Of the old firm of Thomas & Martin, afterwards in the auction business with 

William Gill & John B. Myers — now retired. Married a Miss Archer, sister of 
the late Samuel Archer. 

Thomas, Jacob M. 50,000 

Thomas, Cowperthwaite & Co. 75,000 

Thompson & Co., William R. 100,000 

Thompson, R. 50,000 

Of the firm of William R, Thompson & Co., wholesale grocers. 
Thompson, Walter 50,000 

An adopted citizen, who made his money in the grocery business. 
Thorspecken & Co., F. 100,000 

Importers of German, French, and other foreign merchandise. 
Throckmorton, Joseph W. 50,000 

Came from New Jersey. Made his money in the dry goods business, but more 
especially in the trade of cloths, cassimeres, and vestings. 
Tiernan, Francis 100,000 

Came to this city last from Pittsburg, Pa.; has been concerned in shipping gin- 
seng to China, by which he made money. Lost his amiable consort within a few 
years ; she was a Miss Maslin. Property, in part, in good real estate. 
Tilae, H. 50,000 

Made his money in the hatting business ; now a dealer in trimmings for hat- 
ters. Obtained some money by marriage. 

Tingley, Caldwell & English, 100,000 

Tingley, Benjamin W. 50,000 

Tingley & Burton, 75,000 

Tingley, Clement 50,000 

Toby, Simeon 50,000 

Todhunter, William 50,000 

A native of England ; made his money in the dry goods business. • 
Toland, Robert 150,000 

A Philadelphian ; for a long time a director of the Farmers' and Mechanics' 
bank. Son of the late Henry Toland ; was in business with his father many 
years ago, as wholesale grocers, at the south west corner of Market and Eighth 
streets ; a gentleman of most excellent business capacity ; is an exceedingly pru- 
dent and careful man, and is esteemed by all who know him. He married a Miss 
Price, daughter of the late John M. Price, merchant. 

Tovvnsend, Elisha 50,000 

Made his -money principally by dentistry. Owns and resides in a beautiful 
mansion in Broad below Walnut street. 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 03 

Troth & Co., Henry 75,000 

Wholesale and retail druggists, doing a good business, at the old cstabhshed 
stand of the late Henry Troth, in Market street near Seventh. 

Troth, Henry, (Estate) 50,000 

Trott, Jr., Georcre 50,000 

Merchant, of the firm of Borie & Trott, engaged in the shipping and commis- 
sion business. Came from Baltimore. 

Trotter, Nathan 200,000 

Trotter, Joseph 50,000 

President of the bank of Pennsylvania, and formerly a partner in business with 

liis brother, Nathan Trotter, in the iron, tin, and metal trade, in North Front st. 

Trotter, S. W. 50,000 

An iron merchant, doing business in north Water street. 

Trotter & Co., Nathan 50,000 

Dry goods merchants. 
Troutman, J-iCwis M. 50,000 

Troutman, George M. 50,000 

Son of the late George Troutman ; cashier of the Western bank, and brother 
to Lewis M. Troutman. 

Truitt, Pendleton & Truitt, 100,000 

An extensive hardware firm in Market street, doing a handsome business. 
Importers, &c. 

Tryon, George W. 50,000 

Late gun and pistol importer and manufacturer — now retired. Owns much 

real estate, and the house in which he resides, a double one in Vine near Fifth st. 

Tryon, George 50,000 

Made his own money as a tin smith. 

Tucker, John 75,000 

Came from New York, and now one of the firm of the extensive importing 
house of Gihon & Co. Mr. T. is a director of the Farmers' and Mechanics' 
bank, and a very respectable citizen. 

T wells, Mrs. Sarah W. 50,000 

Daughter of the late rich William Chancellor, and widow of the late Edward 
Twells, merchant. 

Tyndale, Mrs. S. 50,000 

China merchant, at the elegant warehouse, Chesnut above seventh street. 

Tyson, Job R. 50,000 

Attorney at law and counsellor, a man of learning and intelligence. Married 

the daughter of Thomas P. Cope. 

Vanderkemp, J. J. 100,000 

A German, and agent for the Holland Land Company. Married a Miss Taylor 
of this city. 

Vansciver & Son, 50,000 

Coach makers from Camden, New Jersey, and successfiil undertakers in the 
art of light carriage builders. 

Vansyckel, Elijah 250,000 

Came from New Jersey. Made his money chiefly in the distilling business, 
and a portion as a wine and liquor merchant Is fond of good horses, and enjoys 
life. 



64 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 

Vaux, Roberts, (Estate) 75,000 

Vaux, George, (Estate) 100,000 

Vaux, Mrs. Mar!j;aret 50,000 

Widow of the late Roberts Vaux, and mother of Richard Vaux, Recorder of the 
city of Philadelphia, and of William S. Vaux. All belonging to the society of 
friends. 

Vezin, Charles 200,000 

An adopted citizen ; a great player of the game of chess. Made his money as 
an importer of German and other goods. Is a highly respected and amiable 
citizen. 

Vito, Vito 75,000 

An Italian by birth ; emigrated to the United States fifteen or twenty years 

since. Is an importer of Italian paintings, &c., by which he has amassed money. 

Vogdes, John R. 50,000 

Was clerk of the ma}ror's court, under Governor Wolf's administration. At- 
torney and counsellor, of the firm of Vogdes & Phillips. Is a director of the 
Girard bank. 

Volans, Samuel 50,000 

Wagner, Tobias 50.000 

Son of the late John Wagner ; formerly in auction business with Robert Tay- 
lor, under the firm of Taylor & Wagner ; made some money, but received the 
chief of his fortune from his father's estate. 

Wagner, Samuel 50,000 

Son of the late John, and brother of Tobias ; married a daughter of James S. 
Duval, of Germantown. 

Walker & Brothers, 75,000 

British agents, and importers of British and other dry goods. Came from 
England. 

Wallace, Robert 50,000 

Lumber merchant in good standing. 

Wain, Lewis 50,000 

Son of the late Robert Wain, merchant, and director of the " Philadelphia con- 
tributionship for the insurance of houses firom toss by fire." 

Wallace, Mrs. 100,000 

Sister of the honorable Horace Binney, and widow of the late John B. Wal- 
lace. Had a daughter married to Charles Macalester, and another to John S. 
Riddle. 

Wain, Jacob S. 100,000 

A retired merchant, and father-in-law to the honorable Richard Vaux, recorder 
of our city. 

Wain & Co., S. Morris 75,000 

Mr. Wain is the son of Jacob S. Wain, and the firm are actively engaged in 

the shipping business. 

W\iln & Learning, 100,000 

An extensive domestic dry goods commission house of very respectable standing. 

Walsh, Robert F. 75,000 

Made his money as one of the partners of David S. Brown & Co., an extensive 
domestic house. Is the son of Christopher Walsh. 



OF WEALTHY MEN, 65 

Warder, B. H. 50,000 

Warner, Henry 50,000 

Although young in years, a retired victualler of Spring Garden, and one of the 

commissioners of that district ; a son of William Warner, 

Warner, John 50,000 

An active and industrious victualler of Spring Garden, doing a good business. 
Property safely invested in good ground rents and real estate. 

Warner, William 100,000 

Victualler in Spring Garden, is a school director, &c. Made considerable 
money, but obtained more by marriage at several times, 

Warnock, Robert & William 50,000 

Made their money in the retail dry goods business, within a few years, by close 
attention, and constant industry, 

Warrington, Samuel R. 50,000 

Watch and clock maker. Money invested mostly in bank stocks. 
Waterman & Osbourn, 75,000 

Watson, James 75,000 

Made his money chiefly by importing watches, jewelry, and fine cutlery, 

Watson, Thomas 50,000 

Biscuit baker, and ship bread manufacturer, A respectable citizen, who was, 

in 1845, the candidate of the native American party, in the city proper, for a seat 

in our State Senate, 

Watson & Sons, Charles C. 50,000 

One of the oldest and most fashionable tailoring firms in the city. Men of in- 
dustry and correct business habits. 

Watts, Henry M, 50,000 

The United States Attorney for this district, under the administration of Presi- 
dent Tyler. An excellent counsellor ; married a wealthy lady of Pittsburgh, 

Way, F. D, 75,000 

A successful merchant, still engaged in a lucrative business in Market street. 

Wayne, William 50,000 

Made his money in the regular hardware business, in Market street ; a plain, 

upright citizen of the society of friends. 

Weaver, G. J. 50,000 

Ship chandler — famous for making ropes for the state, for the inclined planes of 

our rail ways ; an old established house. 

Weaver, Elijah 50,000 

Made liis own money from very small beginning, as a bookseller and stationer. 
He estabUshed the first half-price book store, and by attending auctions, and strict 
industry, amassed a fortune. He belongs to the society of friends. 

Weber & Co., Godfrey 50,000 

Importers of French and other goods. Adopted citizens. 

Weir, Dr. John H, 50,000 

Son of the late Silas E. Weir, auctioneer. 

Weir, Silas E. (Estate) 200,000 

Mr, Weir was by birth an Irishman. He was an enterprising and respectable 
merchant, for some time in business with a Mr. Fisher, under the firm of Weir & 
Fisher, in the dry goods line, al'tcrwards a distinguished auctioneer, in connection 
at different times with John Lisle, Samuel F, Smith, and John F. Lewis, He 
manied a daughter of the rich Alexander Henry, also an adopted citizen, 
5 



66 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 

Weber, Godfrey 50,000 

Welsh, John 100,000 

An old and respectable shipping and commission merchant of long standing ; 
an estimable citizen. Is a director of the Philadelphia bank. 

Welsh, Henry 100,000 

Late merchant, printer, editor, publisher, «Stc. &c.; now naval officer of the 
port. Came from York county, Pa. Director of the York bank — the Girard 
bank, &c. &c.; receives a fat salary of $5,000 from the government. 

Welsh, Samuel 50,000 

Welsh, Jr., John 50,000 

Welsh, S. & W. 100,000 

One of the heaviest shipping and commission houses in the city, possessing un- 
bounded confidence. Have visited Europe, and are the sons of John Welsh, 
merchant. 

West, James 50,000 

Retired from business, and resides in Chesnut west of Broad street. Is an 
adopted citizen. 

West, Charles C. 50,000 

Made his money in the tailoring business, and invested it in good real estate. 

West, George G. 60,000 

A respectable citizen of Southwark. He received his estate by marriage ; is a 
clerk in the Philadelphia bank. 

Wetherill, John Price 300,000 

An extensive manufacturer of white lead, chemicals, &c. President of the 
Schuylkill bank, and member of Select Council. Of the society of free Quakers, 
and of an old Philadelphia family. Of the firm of Wetherill & Brother; son of 
the late Samuel Wetherill, Jr.; is a fireman, and has been a military man, and had 
the command of a troop of horse. He inherited a large fortune from his father. 
Mr. W. is a good chemist, and is almost always to be found in the laboratory of 
the establishment ; is a man possessed of most excellent qualities, and is consid- 
ered a man of science. 

Wetherill, George D. 200,000 

A Philadelphian, who made his money in the wholesale drug business. 

Wetherill, Misses 75,000 

Wetherill, Samuel M. (Estate) 50,000 

Wetherill, Samuel P. (Estate 100,000 

Wetherill, Dr. William 100,000 

Son of the late Samuel Wetherill, Jr. Married a lady of New Jersey — a con- 
nection or relation of the late Governor Bloomfield. 

Wetherill, Mrs. R. (Estate) 100,000 

The widow of Samuel Wetherill, Jr., and the mother of J. P. Wetherill, Wil- 
liam, Charles, and Samuel P. Wetherill. 

Wharton, William 50,000 

A retired gentleman, from the stock of the old and respectable family of the 
Whartons. 

Wharton, Charles, (Estate) 100,000 

Wharton, Thomas I. 50,000 

Wharton, Francis R. 50,000 

Of the old and respectable Wliarton family of our city. Married a daughter of 



OF WEALTHY MEN. (ff 

the late Gilbert Robertson ; made his money, chiefly, as supercargo in the East 
India business. 

Wheeler, Enoch, (Estate) 100,000 

Whelan, VV. E. & J. G. 50,000 

Made their own money in the lionnct and shoe business, Market street. Na- 
tives of this city, and men of good standing. 

Whelan, William 50,000 

A retired grocer, in which business he made liis money. 

Whilall, John S. 50,000 

Made his money as a sea cajjtain, ahhough belonging to the society of friends. 

White, Henry R. 100,000 

Married and made his money ; came to the city a poor boy from Maryland. 
Has been a director of the bank of the United States. 

White, Ambrose 100,000 

Came from the state of Delaware. Is a retired gentleman of liberal and hu- 
mane principles ; was a director of the bank United States. 

White, Jesse 50,000 

Now in the distilling business ; once a mechanic, and then a merchant. A 
Philadclphian by birth. 

White, Right Reverend William, (Estate) 90,000 

Bishop White was a man of great learning, of universal popularity, and the 
ornament and defence of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He was born in Phi- 
ladelphia in April, 1748. He was ordained to the ministry of the gospel in 1770. 
He was consecrated Bishop in 1787, in London. At the time of his death, he 
was in the 80th year of his age, and in the 66th of his ministry, and in the .50th 
year of his episcopate. He was buried in the church in which he was baptized 
fulfilling the beautiful description which Job gives as the early desire of his heart. 
" Then I said, I shall die in my nest : I shall multiply my days ua the sand." 

White, Thomas H. 50,000 

Son of the late Right Reverend Bishop White, and brother-in-law to Joseph 
Sims. Was once in the wine and liquor business in Dock street. 

Whitehead, Hannah 50,000 

Wicht, John H. 100,000 

Came from Germany ; of the house of Wicht & Sayen, importers. Made his 

money by importing German and other goods ; a gentlemanly, polite, and humane 

citizen. 

Wickersham, Thomas 75,000 

Formerly in the dry goods business, with a Mr. Blackwood, under the firm of 

Blackwood & Wickersham; now a shrewd stock broker. Came from New 

Jersey. 

Wickoff, Henry 100,000 

Of an old family of Russian descent, where the elder branch still survives in 
the person of a count Simon Wickofi", whose estates lie near Moscow. Hen- 
ry is a graduate at Yale College; studied law under the honorable Joseph R. 
IngersoU, and admitted to the bar. Has travelled extensively in Europe, and 
Asia Minor, &c. Was attached to the American embassy at London; great 
friend to the fine arts, and fine artistes ; estabhshed a journal at New York, which 

was eventually sold to the Messrs. S t's, and is now connected with the 

" Pekin Tea Company," for the importation of the finest teas of China, lately 
organized at New York, under the auspices, it is said, of the celebrated East 
India company of England, very flourishing. Inherited a fortune, and having 
nothing to do, has been rather eccentric in his doings. 



68 MEMOIRS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 

Wickoff, Peter 50,000 

Wickoff, George H. 50,000 

Also, of an old family of Russian descent ; is an esteemed gentleman of the 
old school. 

Wiegand & Snowden, 50,000 

Made their money in the very important business of surgical instrument 
makers. Mr. W., one of the partners, was formerly a member of the State 
Legislature. 

Wiener, H. 50,000 

A German, who made his money as an agent of New York dry goods houses, 
also, occasionally, an importer of German and English merchandize. 

Wilcox, Benjamin C. (Estate) 100,000 

Mr. Wilcox made his money by a long residence in China. Was a Philadel- 
phian by birth, and the son of a highly respected shipping merchant, of olden 
times. 

Wilcox, Edmund 50,000 

Reported to be worth this sum. Is a director of the Mechanics' bank, and 
Delaware Insurance Company. 

Wiley, Benjamin 50,000 

A carpenter by trade, and formerly a colonel of militia. A good citizen. 

Williamson & Son, Peter 50,000 

Druggists in South Second street, Southwark ; a house of long and respectable 
standing. 

Williams, Henry J. 50,000 

A prominent member of the bar, with a good practice; married a daughter of 
the late Dr. Benjamin Rush, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. 
Is the son of the late General Williams, of this city. 

Williams, George 75,000 

At one time a British agent, doing a large business ; now retired. A humane 
citizen, and a manager of the Magdalen Asylum. Belongs to the society of 
friends. 

Willing, Rebecca 75,000 

Widow. Property chiefly in real estate. 
Willing, Dr. Charles 50,000 

A director of the Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses 
from loss by Fire. Lives retired upon his fortune. 

Willing, Richard 200,000 

prSon of the elder Thomas Willing, deceased, and of the ancient firm of Willing 
& Francis, a large shipping house in by-gone days. Mr. W. is a highly respect- 
able citizen, and president of the Mutual Insurance Company. 

Willig, George 75,000 

A much esteemed teacher and seller of music. Married a Miss Hickman. 

Wilson, R.&W. 50,000 

Silver platers and importers, doing a large business in the manufacturing line. 

Wilson, James 50,000 

Winder, William H. 50,000 

Winebrener, David 50,000 

A retired tailor, at which business he made money. Came from the interior 
of the state. Is now owner of some of the most valuable real estate in the city ; 
formerly a member of city councils. 



OF WEALTHY MEN. 69 

Wistar, Richard 300,000 

A son of fortune and the late Richard Wistar, iron monger, who kept store for 
a long time at the north west corner of Market and Third streets. Obtained his 
property from his father and aunt ; he owns a large landed estate in the county 
of Philadelphia, besides real estate in the city, and iu different parts of the state. 
He married a Miss Lewis. 

Wistar, Dr. Mifflin 50,000 

Wistar, Thomas 100,000 

Wolbert, C. J. 50,000 

Womrath, George F. 50,000 

Made his own money in the business of a furrier. Is a German by birth, and 
a very respectable citizen. 

Wood & Abbott, 100,000 

Wood, Richard D. 100.000 

Came from New Jersey to Philadelphia a poor boy. Made his own money in 
the dry goods jobbing business, and is a director of tlie Philadelphia bank. 

Wood, Horatio C. 80,000 

Wood, Dr. George B. 200,000 

Came from New Jersey ; obtained his fortune by marriage with the daughter 
of the late Peter Hahn, merchant. Dr. Wood is an eminent physician, and a 
man of great science. 

Wood, C. S. 50,000 

Wood, H. C. & Abbott, 50,000 

Wholesale dry goods merchants. Came from New Jersey. 
Wood & Nelson, 50,000 

Wholesale dealers in fancy dry goods, of British manufacture. 
Wood, Jane 50,000 

The proprietor of the celebrated confectionery in Chesnut street, opposite Inde- 
pendence Hall. Commenced business upon a very small scale, and with a very 
small capital, and has risen to opulence through years of sheer industry and close 
attention to business. 

Wood & Co., Thomas 50,000 

Joseph and Thomas Wood are the sons of the late Catharine Wood, who was 
for many years a celebrated retail dry goods dealer and trader in silks for ladies' 
garments, and kept store for a long time in North Second street, a few doors above 
Market street. 

Wood, Joseph 50,000 

Late merchant, and son of the late Catharine Wood, once largely engaged in 
the dry goods business in North Second street. 

Woodhouse, Samuel, (Estate) 50,000 

Late a captain in the United States navy. Property in real estate in the city 
and country. 

Woodward & Co., C. 50,000 

Warder, J. H. 50,000 

Worrell & Coates, 75,000 

Large importers of British goods, of long and respectable standing. 
Worrell, William 100,000 

A director of the Philadelphia bank. Formerly in business with the late Jolin 
Jennings in the dry goods trade. 



70 MEMCI.IS AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHV 

Worrell, John R. 100,000 

Made his money in the dry goods business. Is a brother of William Worrell, 
with whom he was formerly engaged in the importing of British merchandize. 

Worrell, Captain Joseph 75,000 

Son of the late Joseph Worrell, who was a carpenter by trade, and a republican 

of the days of 1798 — 9. Is brother-in-law to Josiah Randall, Esq., attorney at law. 

Workman, Eustis & Penrose, 50,000 

Wright & Brothers, 75,000 

Began business on a small scale, and are now extensive umbrella manufactur- 
ers, in Market street. 

Wright & Sons, Peter 50,000 

Wright & Nephew, A. 50,000 

Wright, William 75,000 

Inventor of Wright's celebrated Indian vegetable pills, by which he has made a 
fortune in a few years. Has an only daughter. 

Wiirts, Miisgrave k Wurts, . 100,000 

An extensive wholesale domestic and foreign dry goods house, of good standing. 

Wyeth, John 50,000 

A gentleman retired from business ; came from Harrisburg, Pa.; has his money 

invested in good and safe securities. 

Wyman, Jonas 75,000 

Came from the eastward poor ; went into the bonnet and shoe business, b}' 

which he made a fortune ; retired upon a farm, but after a few years returned to 

the city. 

Yardley, Sowers & Co., 50,000 

Wholesale dealers and importers of hardware and cutlery. A house of re- 
spectable standing. 

Yarnall, Charles (Druggist,) 50,000 

Yarnall, B. H. 50,000 

Yarnall & Co., D. D. 50,000 

Wholesale and retail dealers in hardware, &c. 

Yarnall, Ellis 50,000 

Yarnall, Edward (Druggist,) 50,000 

Yarnall, Jr., Ellis (Druggist,) 50,000 

Yarnall & Co., E.&C. 100,000 

Philadelphians, of an old and respectable family of Quakers. In the wholesale 
drug and chemical business. 

Yarrow, John 50,000 

Yohe, Mrs. (Estate) 100,000 

Zell & Co., Thomas 50,000 

Wholesale and retail dealers in hardware and cutlery. 
Zieber & Co. 50,000 

Mr. Zieber came from Montgomery county a poor printer. Made his money, 
in the first instance, by selling Peases' horchound candy ; afterwards by selling 
and publishing pamphlets and periodical works. Is now cormected with one of the 
partners of the " Pubhc Ledger," and the firm have the most extensive agen- 
cies throughout the states of any similar house here, for the sale of their books. 



APPENDIX. 



OBED COLEMAN, the great inventor of the Eolian Attachment, was 
born in Barnstable county, Massachusetts, but resided a long time in Phi- 
ladelphia, and may justly be claimed as one of our own citizens of wealth. 
The Queen of England granted him one hundred thousand pounds sterling 
for his improvement or invention. He had a brother living in this city, a 
respectable and worthy citizen — a baker, named Ezra Coleman,* who 
lately invented a very ingenious machine for conducting cars up inclined 
planes on railways, for which he has taken out a patent right. It is said 
that Obed, on his return from Europe, offered this brother a fortune, which 
was refused, on the ground that he, Ezra, had " genius, skill and enterprize 
enough to make a fortune for himself." The great attachment artist died 
at his place recently at Saratoga, in the State of New York. We copy the 
following interesting account of him and his voyage to Europe, from the 
New York " True Sun," and the " London Musical World," and record his 
name on the page of history, beside those of Franklin, Rittenhouse, and 
others — the pride and boast of our country. 

"Coleman left this city last year with a single piano, to which his inven- 
tion was attached, for the purpose of obtaining a patent right, and disponing 
of the same in Great Britain and the kingdoms on the continent. He did 
not know a soul in London or Paris, and very little respecting the mode of 
procedure in order to obtain his object. During his passage he became an 
obji'ct of universal interest to his fellow passengers, some of whom proffered 
him letters of introduction to their friends in Europe. He received them 
without knowing or mistrusting their value. 

It was only after arriving in London, and presenting one of the letters to 
a Mr. Bates, that he discover 3d in that personage one of the members of the 
house of Baring, Brothers & Co., and found to his surprise that the letter 
was so strongly worded, that it needed only that Mr. Bates sht^uld sec and 
hear his new instrument to induce him to request that it might be sent to 



' • * Ezra Coleman is about putting his invention into practice, and has lately ex- 
hibited at the Patent office in Wa.shington city, the working model of a train of 
cars upon a rail-road, up hill and down hill, regardless of the degree of inclination 
from the horizon. Briefly, on reaching a hill, the action of the locomotive is 
transferred from the propelling wheels on the outer track to a smaller set of wheels 
on an inside track, while in the centre, attached to the locomotive, is an endless 
screw, which is adapted to work upon friction rollers, arranged in the centre of the 
track. The model appears to give general satisfaction, and if brought into suc- 
cessful operation, will be worth a fortune or two to the inventor, and some mil- 
lions of money in averting the necessity of levelling hills and mountains, in all 
future constructions of railways. The invention, it is said, attracted quite a num- 
ber of visitors to the Patent office. Mr. Robbins is now getting out a patent for 
this second great genius of a Coleman. If our country should continue to he pro- 
lific in giving to the world such rare and valuable geniuses as the Colejians, all 
Europe will soon have " to hide her diminished head," and look to us for every 
great improvement in life. 



72 APPENDIX. ^ 

his residence, where it became an object of curiosity to the nobility and the 
patrons of the science, by means of which he was placed upon a footing 
whence he could walk steadily to the height he sought to attain. 

A few days after Coleman's arrival in London, he remembered another 
letter he had received from one of his fellow passengers. He now found 
that the writer was the wealthiest banker in Naples, and the one to whom 
it was addressed, no other than M. Jules Benedict, pianist to the Queen, 
and the second best performer in the world. On presenting it, and giving 
Mr. Benedict an idea of the invention, he requested Coleman to send the in- 
strument to his residence, assuring him that it should be placed in his pri- 
vate study, to which no person had access, where he would practice upon 
it for a week, and test its powers, and then give his opinion. This was 
done, and Coleman waited with much anxiety the result. He felt that 
much, perhaps every thing, depended upon Benedict's decision. 

This was as favorable as could be wished. Benedict was enraptured 
with the instrument, and to Coleman's astonishment he found that until he 
heard him play, he knew not the extent of his own invention. To use 
Coleman's own words — " Benedict made an entirely new instrument of it. 
I only sought to combine the organ with the piano, but he showed me 
various applications of the " attachment" that exceeded my own concep- 
tions." One thing only was in the way. Benedict feared that the piano 
in which the " attachment" then was might be a peculiarly formed instru- 
ment, and that the invention could not be applied to any other. Coleman 
assured him that not only could this be done, but that he would take the 
" attachment" from the old instrument and apply it to one of Erard's grand 
action piano fortes. 

As this was a state of things never apprehended by Coleman, his anxiety 
was very great lest Benedict's fears might prove correct. Yet he "de- 
termined it should work," and the greater part of one day and one night 
was passed in effecting the exchange, ft resulted in perfect success, and 
from that moment Benedict never wavered in his approbation and admira- 
tion of the instrument. 

After Coleman had obtained his patent, and his invention had attained 
the highest point in the estimation of the public, he still found " a lion in the 
way." The celebrated Mr. Thalberg — the first pianist in the world — who 
had been for some time on the continent, had not yet seen or heard the in- 
strument. Many eminent musicians, and especially the piano-forte manu- 
facturers, stood aloof, until Thalberg should give his opinion. Coleman felt 
that the fate of his invention hung upon the Jiat of the dreaded Thalberg. 
It was " Wait till Thalberg comes," and, " If Thalberg says so and so, then," 
&c. until the very name of Thalberg became hateful. 

He arrived in London at last, and a day was appointed for his examina- 
tion of the instrument. A large room was selected, into which were ad- 
mitted about a dozen of the first musical artists. Benedict sat down and 
played in his best style. 

Thalberg stood at some distance, with his arms folded and his back turned. 
He listened for awhile in that position, and then turned his face toward the 
instrument. He moved softly across the floor until he stood by the side of 
Benedict, where he again stopped and listened. An occasional nod of the 
head was all the emotion he betrayed. Suddenly, while Benedict was in 
the very midst of a splendid sonata, he laid his hand upon his arm, and, with 
not a very gentle push, said "get off that stool !" 

Seating himself, he dashed out in his inimitable style, and continued to 
play for some time without interruption, electrifying Coleman and the other 
auditors with an entirely new application of the invention. Suddenly he 
stopped, and turning to Benedict, requested him to get a certain piece of 
Beethoven's from the library. This was done, and Thalberg played it 



APPENDIX. 78 

through. Then Btriking the instrument with his hand and pointing to the 
music, he said, " This is the very instrument Beethoven had in his mind 
when he wrote that music ! It never has been played before .'" The next 
day Coleman sold his patent right for a sum that enabled him to take his 
place among millionaires.'" 

The London Musical World, an authority of the highest repute in musi- 
cal matters, in every department, says of this instrument — 

" Our opinion of its merits is highly favorable — though we may at once 
state that a piano-forte wants no such concomitant to assist its own unri- 
valled qualities. A piano-forte is a piano-forte, and anything to modify its 
nature derogates, in our opinion, from its effect. Nevertheless, we are in 
justice bound to say that the Eolian attachment is the best constructed 
thing of the kind that was ever submitted to our consideration. Its effect 
is a combination of soft wind instruments, which can be swelled at will, 
iromforle to piano. It may be used or not, at the will of the performer — a 
great advantage. 

" Its tones resemble (somewhat) those of a seraphine, but are much more 
agreeable. Its independence, as it may be attached and unattached, ad lib, 
and its cheapness, are great facts in its favor. It will, we hope, be the 
means of banishing seraphines, and by its purity find favor with, and engage 
the attention of the ciassicaZ musicians." 

The Eolian Piano Fortes will remain in tune in any climate, and they 
will not be affected by the transitions of the atmosphere. 

Copy of a letter dated Washington, June 13, 184.5, 
Coleman's Eolian Attachment, and the Old Tars of the Navy — A Scene 
at Coleman's Hotel. 

"Our petition has been heard. Our faith, certainly larger than a grain 
of mustard seed, has effected this great result. We had a most vivifying 
shower on yesterday (Thursday) afternoon, and the day closed with a bow 
of promise, like a wreatii of liglit on the bosom of love, overarching the sky. 

" We were witness at the Naval Court Martial on the same day, to an 
incident which has been mentioned by the U. S. Journal — the main charm, 
however, omitted in the notice. While the Board were listening to the 
testimony of-one of the witnesses, a travelling gentleman and two ladies, 
just arrived, were sitting in the elegant ladies' parlor opposite to the Conrt 
Room, the doors all open to catch the little air in circulation. The gentle- 
man took his seat at the piano, and, by request, commenced playing a beau- 
tiful air. But, though well executed, the charm was not in the execution, 
but in the celestial, harmonious accompaniment of the Eolian attachment — 
the beautiful invention of the lamented Coleman — a worthy namesake of the 
host of the house — in which the scene transpired. The hardy veterans of 
the navy were moved — they had heard no syren music like this — they had 
heard no echoes from the coral cliffs of the Southern Ocean, in the breezy 
twilight of their gloomy skies, to approach it. Those glorious old tars had 
been all round the world, but music like this, of the Eolian piano, they had 
never heard before. They paused — they pricked up their ears, as if the 
watch had called out a strange sail in the offing. They paused — several 
arose — but soon they resumed their duties at the board, with an expression 
of countenance, softened and benign, as if a beautiful woman had passed 
through tfio room, and smiled and bowed to every one of the company. 
The inventor of the Eolian attachment, after its successful application, was 
assuredly prepared for the still more melodious and mellifluous harmonies 
of Heaven. W.'* 



74 APPENDIX. 

His death was occasioned by the disease of the measles and mumps, which 
he took at a public house, in New York, on a visit to that city ; in conse- 
quence of sleeping in a room, where a man had lodged the night previous, 
afflicted badly with that complaint. He was twenty-eight years of age, of 
a fine, amiable disposition, fascinating manners, and of great worth, merit 
and virtue. His constitution was delicate — his health feeble, and he al- 
ways had a fear of cold or sickness — lest they should settle upon his lungs 
and terminate his life, long before the average life of man had run its course 
in him. We have these sad particulars from a near relative, and they 
may be relied upon as accurate. 

" O, I do fear thee, Claudio : and I quake, 
Lest thou a feverous life should'st entertain, 
And six or seven winters more respect 
THAN A PERPETUAL HONOR." 

Young Coleman's monument has been placed over his remains, and is the 
source of considerable interest at Saratoga. 



STEPHEN GIRARD is supposed to have left France when only ten or 
twelve years of age, in the capacity of cabin boy, in a vessel bound to the 
West Indies; this early period of his bidding a lasting farewell to the roof 
of his parents, has probably given rise to the belief, that cruel treatment in- 
duced him to the act of self-banishment. Whatever was the cause, how- 
ever, whether his wall eye, or impatience of restraint, eagerness of enter- 
prise, or thirst of speculation, which so strongly marked him in all his acts 
uf life — is unknown ; it is certain he left his native home, long before others 
leave school, or read or think of foreign climates. He remained but a short 
time in the West Indies; and while yet a cabin boy, he arrived at New 
York, from which port he continued to sail in the employ of a Captain 
Randall, and to whom it is likely he bound himself, for while with him, the 
conduct of Girard was so exemplary, honest, and industrious, as to endear 
him to his master, and he soon grew to be a favorite with Captain Randall, 
by whom he was promoted to the station of mate, and then to that of cap- 
tain of a small vessel in which he made several voyages to New Orleans. 

In his youth, Girard was always calm, steady, consistent, frugal, and 
meditative ; sometimes good-natured, but mostly austere. After he was 
out of his apprenticeship, he began to embark in various speculations, or as 
the seamen term them ^'^ adventures,''^ in wliich he was always lucky. Gi- 
rard's first visit to Philadelphia was in 1769, and for what purpose is little 
known — speculation, or trade, enticed him, it is supposed, from New York, 
and he settled himself in business in Water street, trading between the two 
cities — New York and Philadelphia. 

Girard's first-love was the daughter of an old ship-builder, by the name 
of Lum, who lived in Water street above Vine street, who, at the time of 
his courtship, acted in the capacity of a servant girl, in the house of a Col. 
Shee. Polly Lum, as she was called, was blessed with charms that easily 
accounted for the triumph she had made. The sincerity of his love was 
soon evinced by his prompt offer of marriage, and in the following year, 
1770, she became his wife. 

By this marriage Mr. Girard had one child, which died in its infancy. 
At a later period, he applied to the Legislature of this state for a divorce, 
from which it is inferred that he enjoyed but little happiness or peace. 

We have read an author who says, " the most important era in our lives, 
is that in which we link our destiny with the fate of another," and no doubt 



APPENDIX. 10 

Mr. Girard, as well as his wife, found the truth of the observation to their 
mutual sorrow. 

During the trading or excursions made by Girard to New York, he be- 
came acquainted with Mr. Robert Ramsey of that city, who gave him a let- 
ter of introduction to Isaac Hazlehurst, Esq., then a reputable merchant of 
this city, and made such a favorable impression upon the mind of Mr. H., 
that he was induced to enter into co-partnership with him, in business, to 
the island of St. Domingo. In this trade Girard took the command of one 
of two vessels — brigs, put into the concern— the Betsey, mounted with one 
gun for defence. 

In 1777, he purchased a small farm at Mount Holly, of between five and 
six acres, of Isaac Huzlehurst, Esq., for the sum of five hundred dollars. 
The house was a frame, one story and a half high. To this place Girard, 
upon the approach of the British, removed his store and bottling establish- 
ment. He remained at Mount Holly from 1776 to 1779, occupied as store 
keeper and bottler. 

Girard was originally a true republican, and upon one occasion assisted 
some people to raise a liberty pole. 

In 1780, he became engaged in the New Orleans and St. Domingo trade, 
which to him proved very lucrative, and having no children, his habits of 
economy and industry soon led to a rapid increase of his fortune. In 1782, 
he became the leasee of a range of stores and dwellings on the east side of 
Water street, north of the site of the dwelling in which he departed this 
life — and on which was at that period erected a frame house, which he 
occupied himself. Edward Stiles, Esq., was then owner of this property, 
and estimated as the most opulent citizen of Philadelphia. 

(Captain John Girard arriving in this coontry, the two brothers entered 
into business, under the firm of Stephen and John Girard, in connection with 
a house at Cape Francaise, under the name of Girard, Bernard &Lecrampe. 
The two brothers were far from acting in harmony and concert, and a sepa- 
ration soon took place; upon a settlement of their accounts by a mutual 
friend, Stephen was found to be worth thirty thousand dollars, and John 
si:rty thousand dollars, a circumstance which goes to show one of the 
causes of the disagreement that subsisted between them. 

It was the practice of Mr. Girard to build high houses, his maxim being, 
"get the lot and build high ; there are no ground rents above." 

Mrs. Mary Girard, his wife, was admitted into the insane department of 
the Pennsylvania Hospital, on the 21st August, 1790, and died in the same 
establishment on the 13th September, 1815, after having suffered an im- 
prisonment in that institution of upwards of twenty-five years. Upon her 
death Girard gave to the said hospital the sum of three thousand dollars. 
During tlie yellow fever of 1793, Stephen Girard stood forward in the shape 
of a ministering angel, in his endeavors to procure an asylum for the sick, 
nurses, doctors, medicines, and all the necessaries for the dying, the poor, 
and the helpless. Girard was in the constant habit of visiting his farm in 
Passyunk on Sundays, and on one occasion he was called upon by his friend 
Samuel Coates, who found him up a tree, trimming it, and questioned him 
about working on the Sabbath, and why he was not at church — praying? 
to which Girard replied, that " he could pray where he then was, and that 
he should not fall down, and break his neck, would be his first prayer." 

In the spring of 1812, Mr. Girard established his banking liouse with a 
capital of one million three hundred thousand dollars, and the business of 
the first bank United States, then unsettled, was transferred to Mr. Girard's 
bank. 

At the time of Stephen Girard's greatest commercial prosperity, he owned 
the ships Voltaire, Helvetius, Good Friend, Rousseau, Montesquieu, and 
Columbia. 



76 APPENDIX. 

His coal estate in Schuylkill county, amounting to sixty-eight tracts, of 
upwards of four hundred acres each, are of immense value, and promise to 
become in point of wealth and utility, one of the most valuable and grand 
estates in the union. 

Girard's illness of 1826 confined him to his house. Dr. Monges was his 
attending physician, and his skill and genius combatted the disease with 
success, and after a few weeks' confinement, he emerged from his disorder 
with very little alteration in his health and appearance. 

In the winter of 1830 he met with an accident, which very nearly cost 
him ills life ; for, as he was crossing second and Market streets, on his 
way from the bank home, a dearborn carriage drove furiously towards him, 
and striking his head on the right cheek with the wheel, very nearly tore 
off the greater part of his right ear. He walked home, and on an examina- 
tion of the wound, it appeared to be more serious than was at first imagined ; 
the injury extended from the eye to the ear, and it was feared that the 
cheek bone was broken. " My actions must make my life," said Stephen 
Girard. 

After the accident we have just mentioned, Girard began to waste in 
flesh, and a general alteration of his appearance denoted the exhausted ebb 
of human nature. The operations performed by Dr. Physic on his cheek, 
might have shaken the fortitude, and broke the constitution of a younger 
man, and Girard deeply felt it, for his last will is dated about the time of 
his recovery and confinement. Besides, a sensible alteration in the spirits 
and temper of Girard, were now said by almost every one to be observable. 
He became more reconciled to common mortals, and was more pliant 
and considerate. We now find him impaired in stamina, and ill fitted to 
repel the force of a malady, the most desolating of all others since the 
periods of malignant fevers. Mr. Girard was attacked with the hron- 
chiles, or influenza, in the last week of December, 1831, and as soon as 
this became known, the whole city became agitated with the utmost anx- 
iety and concern. The world in general, who neither knew or cared for 
his character, felt, nevertheless, a profound interest in the issue of his indis- 
position. 

It is very probable that the native vigor of his constitution would have 
defeated the disease, had not its force been directed against the very citadel 
of reason, depriving him of the aid and resources of his own good judgment 
and experience. But when the malady touched his brain with inflamma- 
tion, his chance of recovery was gone. Drs. Physick and Clark attended 
him. 

" A friend of his who sat in his chamber an hour on the morning of his 
death, represents him to have been altogether unconscious of his condition, 
and incapable of recognizing those around him." A short time before he 
died, he got out of his bed, and walked across the room to a chair, but soon 
returned to the bed, and placing his hand upon his head, exclaimed, "Aow 
violent is this disorder,'^ and died ! 



Statue of Stephen Girard. — In the year 1833, the Councils of the city 
employed Mr. Gevelot, the artist, to prepare a statue of the late Stephen 
Girard, to conform to a model which Mr. Gevelot had modeled ; and after 
some time spent in preliminary arrangements, Mr. G. went to Europe to 
accomplish the work, giving information from time to time of his progress. 

A short time since, Mr. Gevelot arrived at New York from Paris, with 
his statue carefully boxed up, though in full confidence of satisfying the 
citizens of Philadelphia of iiis success. The Building Committee of the 
Girard College received the case containing the statue, and according to 
the articles of agreement, selected, with M. Gevelot, three artists to judge 



APPENDIX. 77 

of the merits of the work, viz :— Thomas Sully, John Neagle, and J. R. 
Lambden, Esqrs., accomplished artists, and gentlemen in whom our citizens 
will have confidence. It was agreed that the statue should be open for in- 
spection on Saturday, the 5th of September, when the opinion of the judges 
should be given. 

Accordingly, on Saturday afternoon, the Mayor of the city, the Building 
Committee, the Commissioners of the Girard Estate, and the Comir,ittee of 
Finance, with the artists, and several citizens, repaired to the Colleo-e. 
Tlie box had been opened, the statue taken thence, and placed upon" a 
moveable pedestal, in the south-western room of the main College building. 
It is the size of life. No attempt at Roman or Grecian Drapery has been 
made, but Mr. Girard stands in solid marble, with the representation of the 
same coat, the same vest, pantaloons and boots, which he wore when in 
discharge of his duties, as mariner, merchant and banker. The opinion of 
the artists will be the best notice we can make of the statue as a resemb- 
lance, and as a work of art. 

[report.] 

" In compliance with the invitation of the Building Committee of the Gi- 
rard College, and of Mr. Grevelot, the sculptor, to decide upon the likeness 
of a recent statue of the late Stephen Girard, we. the subscribers, have met 
and performed that duty. 

" It is with pleasure we pronounce it to be a most faithful likeness. 

THOMAS SULLY, 
Philadelphia, Sept. 5, 1846. JOHN NEAGLE. 

" The undersigned having been invited to unite with the above named gen- 
tlemen, regrets his inability, from a want of personal acquaintance with^Mr. 
Girard, to speak of the resemblance to the original, but having full faith in 
the judgment of his coadjutors, would commend it as a work of art to the 
Building Committee. J. R. LAMBDEN. 

" After sucli an expression, it may be deemed almost impertinent for us to 
offer an opinion. We understand that the Building Committee accepted 
the report of the artists, and, of course, received the statue. We believe 
that arrangements will be made to have the statue opened to the public, 
after Wednesday, of this week. Some arrangements and preparations are 
necessary, before opening the door of this hall to general ingress." 

This statue of Stephen Girard cost thirty thousand dollars, and is a most 
splendid specimen of art, but as to its exact likeness of the oricrinal, we 
differ with some others. All good likenesses, it is said, are flattered, but 
this is more than flattered,— an everlasting smile is placed upon the coun- 
tenance of the morose old man who seldom or ever smiled, yet, as it adds to 
the beauty of the statue as a whole, we do not object. After an acquaint- 
ance, somewhat intimate, with Stephen Girard, of about thirty years, we 
cannot but be of the opinion, that the general contour of the representation 
is good, although h\s fat cheeks, and somewhat Romannosc, are rather un- 
like the original. The drapery of the clothing is exceedingly well executed 
—we admire the folds of his coat— the seam in the pantaloons, and the 
gatherings on the shoulder. We would rather have seen his pocket hand- 
kerchief half hanging out of his coat pocket, as was usual, than the bulk or 
bulge that indicates its depository. 



78 APPENDIX. 

JACOB RIDGWAY was born 15th March, 1767, in Monnouth county, 
New Jersey, (the same day on which Andrew Jackson was born;) came 
to Philadelphia when a boy ; served his time in a counting house or grocery 
store — after which he made several trips to sea as a supercargo. He made 
a considerable sum of money by buying up French and other claims in Eu- 
rope, nearly the whole amount of which he afterwards received from our 
government. Mr. Ridgway was a man of great business habits, took much 
exercise in walking and riding, and attended personally to the management 
of his large estate. His constitution was apparently robust — his frame of 
person large and square, somewhat resembling that of Stephen Girard. 
When both were living considerable jealousy existed between Messrs. 
Girard and Ridgway ; the former saying " he could buy the latter, and keep 
him too," wkich the latter denied. The similarity of character in both, 
was proverbial to many persons previous to their deaths ; they appeared to 
have but one object in view — the increase of their riches — the adding of 
house to house, and farm to farm. 'I'hey were both temperate men, and 
had Mr. Ridgway lived to the age of Mr. Girard, he would have died richer. 
He entered into business with a Mr. Smith, under the firm of Smith & 
Ridgway, and continued for many years largely engaged in the mercantile 
business. Tiiey made the chief of their money in the European trade, after 
haviiiig been unfortunate. Mr. Ridgway was a strict economist, and very 
frugal in all his personal expenditures; he had no love for show or ostenta- 
tion. He dressed in a plain garb, and rode in a plain gig, drawn by a sin- 
gle horse. He was a thorough bred merchant, builder, and mechanic, who 
understood well the price of money and all materials for building houses. 
He owned a very large amount of real estate, and kept a lumber yard of 
his own, for convenience as well as economy. 

Like Stephen Girard, he began business in North Water street, as a 
small grocer or trader, and was successful through life, with the exception 
we have made, and this vv'as only a temporary pause or suspension, with 
the house of which he was a partner, who to their honor and credit, it has 
always been mentioned, paid every cent of their debts — both principal and 
inlerest. 

For many years before his death, Mr. Ridgway took great pleasure in the 
cultivation of the peach tree, and the fruit from his orchards was celebrated 
in both New York and Philadelphia markets; and both cities are now in- 
debted to his exertions fitr a large supply of this wholesome fruit. 

Mr. Ridgway is one of the numerous instances of Jerseymen, coming to 
Philadelphia, and making fortunes. He was a director and stock holder of 
the bank of Pennsylvania when it failed in 1842, and it was suggested to 
him, the plan of supporting the bank with his private fortune, but upon a 
consultation with his near relations and friends, he declined it, and the 
doors of the bank were suffered to be closed ! This circumstance wounded 
the pride and honor of a merchant and banker, who had so long and faith- 
fully served at its board of directors. Indeed, it was hard to believe, that 
an institution in which the state was so much interested at the time, could 
be allowed to fail ; while it was backed with the state public deposits, and 
had enrolled among its directors such men as Charles Penrose, Jacob R, 
Smith, Wm. E. i lacker, R. M. Lewis, David S. Brown, William Geisse, 
Jacob Ridgway, and Wm. V. Anderson. Had Mr. Ridgway possessed the 
same talent for banking operations as Stephen Girard, we venture to say, 
he never would have hesitated to advance his whole property to sustain an 
institution so nearly connected with his own prosperity and renown. 

In giving this brief portraiture of the life and character of Mr. Ridgway, 
we pretend not to give all the interesting parts of his history; such as it is, 
it holds up to our youth a bright example, and to rising merchants it de- 
monstrates, as the surest, and most certain road to eminence, that to a pure 



APPENDIX. 79 

moral character, and strict integrity, must be added an iinflinching devotion 
to the public good. Mr. Ridgway, like Mr. Girard, was a plain honest 
citizen, and Philadelphia will, long after they are both forgotten, possess 
monuments of their erection and usefulness. The extensive ranges of 
buildings erected by either in their life time, will endure to age?. Of all 
our prosperous merchants, Girard and Ridgway will be remembered — re- 
membered when the less prosperous ones — Pratt, Clapier, Sims, Beck, and 
Ralston — will be forgotten. 

In contemplating the history of Mr. Ridgway, as a great and successful 
merchant at home or abroad, we are led to hope that his example will be 
followed by many an enterprising young merchant. The benefits of his ex- 
perience and wisdom, will teach many a youth coming to our city to serve 
an apprenticeship, and the worth of that valuable quality, honesty, for it 
was integrity and perseverence that made the fortunes of Girard and Ridg- 
way ; one came to our city a poor boy, without friends, from France, and the 
other a poor boy, without friends, from New Jersey. New York may boast 
of her John Jacob Astors, but Philadelphia is satisfied in the memory of her 
Gi'rards, Ridgways, Ralstons, Pratts, and Paul Becks. That man brought 
nothing into the world, and can take nothing out of it, is a solemn warning 
for us to make good use of our time, and to erect such monuments as will 
insure our remembrance with posterity, and our happines in the world to 
come. 

Let us never view it as decidedly to our disadvantage to be of humble 
origin, or to find our lot cast in the shade or the by-path of life. Action — 
honorable, untiring, persevering action — will rescue us from dumb forget- 
fulness, and in our blessed country, of equal laws and exact justice, will, in 
due time, acquire for each of us, that station for which Providence designed 
us. It may not give us political office, but it will certainly give us what is 
often far better, and not less the " post of honor," a private station of useful- 
ness and self-respect — a consciousness of deserving, if not of commanding, 
success in every laudable enterprize. We have before us the examples of 
Astor, Girard, and Ridgway, three of the richest men of America, who 
rose from humble origin — from obscurity, and without friends, to distinction 
and consideration. We are a. calculating people; we reckon not without 
authority, but after all we possess but few Astors, Girards, or Ridgways. 

Mr. Ridgway in his bequest was wise and honorable, and even where he 
did not bestow legacies, he transmitted his care and friendship to his son, 
in behalf of several deserving individuals with whom he iiad transacted busi- 
ness. We look with pride and satisfaction upon the will of the man who leaves 
his property to his relations and friends. Mr. Ridgway has left no fund to 
erect a college for orphans, and this fact is hardly to be regretted, when we 
see the unfinished one endowed by Girard, and the idle and vacant "Pres- 
ton Retreat," with no funds left of the estate, to support any inmates, or 
poor widows. Public benefactors should be such during their lives, and not 
depend upon others to erect monuments to their fame and good intentions. 
Selfishness has too much to do with money matters, now a days, to allow 
contracts between the dead and living — the faithfiil execution of wills to be 
strictly performed. It is delightful to witness the efl'ect of ones' charity 
during our lives, and from observation the rich will no doubt profit, and not 
depend upon posterity. 

The perseverence and industry of Jacob Ridgway may be faithfully illus- 
trated by the following relation and comparison : The renowned Gustavu3 
Vasa, of Sweden, was encouraged never to despair in any enterprize, 
by witnessing one day, when driven to take shelter in a shed from the 
violence of a storm, the operations of a spider in conveying a beetle, or some 
insect larger than itself, up a beam to its web. He saw it ascend for the 
first time a little ways, and fall. Again it ascended a very little further, 



80 APPENDIX. 

and fell. A third time it ascended still further, and again fell backwards 
with its prey. His curiosity was excited to witness iis operations. He 
counted its partial ascent, and as uniform fall, for sixty-nine times. On 
the seventieth time it succeeded in gaining', with its load, the mazy laby- 
rinth. "Surely," said he, "if this insignificant creature, to satisfy the 
mere cravings of animal appetite, can thus labor, and toil, and strive, what 
ought not rational man to encounter, fur the sake of fame and immortality." 
Men, like the waves of the sea, may and should be made the purer by their 
own action. In this free country every man is essentially the artificer of 
his own fortune, and he must bring about the desired end by a series of con- 
stant and untiring exertions. Mr. Ridgway did so; he was truly the arti- 
ficer of his own fortune. Let us not estimate the value of men by the 
actions of their ancestors, but from their own good or bad acts. Do we 
need the operation of any more powerful impetus to exertion than is seen 
and felt in the very constitutions of our nature — in that fitness of things — 
that adaptation of means to the end, which places the source and centre of 
human happiness in action — untiring and honorable action 1 It was untir- 
ing and constant industry that made the fortunes of Girard and Ridgway, 
and the same application of time and means, will yet make the fortunes of 
thousands born and unborn, in the land of the free, and the home of the 
brave. 

We have said that Mr. Ridgway was a strict economist; he was truly 
so, for the writer of this memoir was often consulted by him, with regard to 
the kind and quality of clothing he should buy and wear on his person. He 
was no friend to fashionable tailors, but bought his own cloths and cassi- 
meres, and had them made up upon the cheapest terms. No censure can 
be justly attributed to the citizen who thus consults his own convenience 
and taste, in procuring his wearing apparel upon the best conditions. He 
gave no large entertainments, although so well able, and well situated by 
his connections, to live with the gay and the elite of refined society — with 
the true aristocracy of our "Quaker city." Every wise and virtuous citi- 
zen, every friend of truth and commercial rectitude will delight to honor 
exemplary men. Men of ardent, firm, and energetic character, like that of 
Mr. Ridgway, will always be distinguished for their spirit of enterprize, 
especially when crowned with success, and the accumulation of a large 
fortune. 

There is a happy contrast in the character of Mr. Ridgway, with that of 
Stephen Girard ; the latter once pleaded the statute of limitations in the 
supreme court of the United States, Jacob Ridgway could not have been 
influenced to put in such a plea, to obtain a verdict. For this act, Girard 
has been generally and loudly condemned ; nor can he be defended, even 
on the supposition that ambition, and not want of rectitude, impelled him to 
resort to so desperate and dangerous an expedient of evading the payment 
of a just debt, 

A singular coincidence with Mr, Ridgway and Stephen Girard, deserves 
to be mentioned, as one of the most extraordinary occurrences of modern 
times. They were both run down about the same time previous to their 
deaths by carriages in the public streets, Mr. Ridgway in crossing Market 
and third streets was injured by a cart running against him, and, although 
the wound was not so serious as that of Mr. Girard, still its effects may 
have been great, and the precursor of the malady that caused his demise. 
Mr. Ridgway visited New Jersey prior to his death — without a great coat 
or umbrella, was caught in a shower of rain, got extremely wet, and re- 
mained in his wet clothes a considerable time before he reached home, was 
taken with a severe cold, which produced the erysipelas, and terminated his 
life m his 77th year, in May, 1843. Mr. Ridgway left one son and two 
daughters to inherit his large estate of more than three million of dollars. 

THE END. 



[PRICE 37^ CCniTii). 



MEMOIRS 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 



OF SOME OF THE 



WEALTHY CITIZENS 



OF PHILADELPHIA, 



WITH A FAIR ESTIMATE OF THEIR ESTATES— FOUNDED UPON 
A KNOWLEDGE OF FACTS. 



WITH AN APPENDIX: 



CONTAINING PARTICULAR ACCOl'NTS OF THE LIVES OF 



STEPHEN GIRARD, JACOB RIDGWAY, and OBED COLEMAN, 



OBTAINED FHOM AUTHENTIC SOURCES. 



BY A MERCHANT OF PHILADELPHIA. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

FOR SALE BY THE BOOKSELLERS, 

1846. 



I ( 





INTERESTING TABLES. 



VA EALTH OF England. — We give as an instance of the extraordinary 
wealth and enterprise of England, the following summary of bills applied 
for during the present session of Parliament, for which a subscription con- 
tract, or undertaking in lieu thereof, has been deposited in the Private Bill 
Office :— 



DESCRIPTION. 


ESTIMATED EXPENSE. 


CAPITAL STOCK. 


Railways, . . - 


- 


£92,921,779 


94,812,813 


Navigations and canals, 


- 


176,190 


— 


Waterworks, - - - 


- 


613,452 


732,080 


Ferries and docks, - 


- 


1,653,000 


1,000,000 


Piers and harbors. 


- 


331,050 


— 


Bridges, 


- 


49,500 


22,000 


Roads, . . . - 


- 


3,558 


— 



£95,748,529 - 96,566,893 
Here it is proposed to invest the enormous sum of 482,834,465 dollars in 
railways and other works, in addition to those now in active working; and 
this, too, in a country whose public debt amounts to £800,010,000 sterling. 



Capital of Banks in the City of New York. 

American Exchange, 1,1-55,400 

Bank of America, 2,000,000 

Bank of Commerce, 5,000,000 

Bank of New York, 1,000,000 

Bank of the United States, in New York, winding up. 

Bank of the Slate of New York, 2,000,000 

Butchers' and Drovers', 500,000 

Chelsea, 100,000 

Chemical, .500,000 

City, 720,000 

Clinton, winding up. 

Commercial, in hands of Receiver. 

Delaware and Hudson Canal Company, ..... 1,992,000 

Dry Dock, 420,000 

Fulton, 600,000 

Greenwich, 200,000 

Lafayette, in hands of Receiver. 

Leather Manufacturers', 600,C00 

Manhattan, 2,050,000 

Mechanics,' 1.400,000 

Mechanics' Banking Association, 632,000 

Mechanics' and Traders', 200,000 

Merchants', 1,400,000 

Merchants' Exchange, 750,000 

National Bank, 750,000 

j New York State Security.— 52 Wall. 

'i N. A. Trust and Banking Co., at American Exch. Bank, 34 Wall. 

North River, - - - - 650,000 

Phenix, 1,200,000 

Seventh Ward, 500,000 

Tradesmen's, 400,000 

Union, 1,000,000 










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